According to the Oxford English Dictionary, poetry is literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm; poems collectively or as a genre of literature.

Romanticism was a poetic movement during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, turning to nature and the interior world of feelings, celebrating creativity rather than logic. It’s important to note that romanticism does not always imply romantic love. It’s the love of self, friendships, and beauty surrounding us.

Though the history of poetry dates back thousands of years, it wasn’t until April 1996 that it was deemed worthy of national recognition. The Academy of American Poets was the organization to launch the first National Poetry Month to celebrate poetry and its creators.

Every state in the country partakes in this month’s celebrations, and Colorado is no exception. Almost every county or city in the state is home to an organization dedicated to honoring poetry.

Robert W. King and Beth Franklin founded the Boulder non-profit Colorado Poets Center. The center hosts poetry readings, teachings, and award recognitions to poets who live and work in the state or have strong ties to Colorado.

The Centennial State is also home to a poetry society known as the Columbine Poets of Colorado. Its mission is to promote the writing and appreciation of poetry among all ages across the state.

The Columbine Poets of Colorado hosts yearly adult and student poetry contests. City chapters throughout the state, including Denver, offer weekly workshops and annual poetry festivals.

Established in 1921, the Poetry Society of Colorado, also in Denver, is another organization committed to promoting the study, writing, and performance of poetry in Colorado, offering various workshops and events throughout the year.

Aside from being an outlet for writers to express emotions, poetry is a powerful tool for people to improve their literacy. Poetry opens doors to exploring all that is beautiful in the world. National Poetry Month has increasingly become one of the most celebrated literary celebrations in the world.

Poetry and romanticism continue to go hand in hand. Whether both complement one another or blend into perfect portions of intensity and softness, they are a beautiful part of our world.

Whether a haiku, a lyric, a mono-rhyme, or a free verse poem, perhaps, today is a good day to take out a pen or pencil and write about the beauty you see around you. To find inspiration or learn more about Colorado Poets and Organizations, visit https://www.coloradopoetscenter.org/, https://www.columbinepoetsofcolorado.com/, or https://poetrysocietyofcolorado.org/.