A Month of Poetry?

A rather late one because I've had an idea...

Have you heard of The Sealey Challenge?

Started by poet, Nicole Sealey in 2017, the idea is to read a book of poems every day for the month of August. Now, while I rarely participate in reading challenges because I wouldn’t know commitment or consistency if they jointly whacked me round the head, as someone who loves poetry, this is a challenge I can get on board with. I don’t think I’ve ever actually managed to read a collection a day every day of the month but I don’t really see that as the point. For me, the real pleasure lies in turning my attention to my rather chaotic but beloved poetry shelves and seeing what I might re/discover.

Plenty more where these came from…

When reading poetry, I honestly don’t take the most studious approach or attempt to pull it apart too, too intensely unless I really feel the need to. I like to see what give me pause and consider why it does. Admittedly, sometimes a poem leaves me completely lost, other times I might not fully grasp what is meant but it’s written beautifully enough that it doesn’t really matter, and sometimes it feels as though it was written just for me. I’m drawn to what resonates, distinct imagery, and words that makes me feel deeply. I also love an easily identifiable voice -you can spot a Lucille Clifton or Mary Oliver poem from a mile away and I really appreciate that. Ultimately, I take delight in finding new poems to love and these days delight feels like something that must be actively sought.

If the conversations I’ve had of late are anything to go by, the horrors of the world, as well as our collective responsibilities and (perceived) collective failures are weighing so heavily on so many of us that hope feels harder and harder to come by, while fear- be it our own or that of others- feels impossible to escape.

Turning away isn’t the answer, however, I do think it’s more important than ever that, in our witnessing (and experiencing), a little space is reserved for the beauty that exists in the world and the simple pleasures to be found, not as self-indulgence but as required sustenance if we are to stay the course, and as a reminder of what it is we seek to conserve. More importantly, poetry itself serves as evidence of the power that lies in the words we choose to speak.

So, when it occurred to me earlier today that it might be a good idea to share a poem a day for the month of August, I decided to just roll with it and hope that some of you might want to come along for the ride. If someone is moved or delighted, or spurred to action by even a single poem, I’ll consider this endeavour worth it.

I’m thinking I’ll share them poems via the Notes feature but if someone more Substack-savvy thinks there’s a better way to do it I would absolutely welcome your suggestions!

I’m also considering some kind of weekly summary post sharing the collections I’ve read or a round up of all the poems for the benefit of those who either don’t access the Notes feature or would just prefer to read them that way. Anyway, I’m winging it so I guess we’ll see!

So, what do you say? A poem a day for the month of August?

Do you have any favourite poets, poems or poetry collections?

Until next time,

Tasnim

P.S. if you appreciate these letters and you’d like to buy me a coffee, you can do so here. I’d never say no and it would always be appreciated.