Rhyme Time

The 22nd Annual National Poetry Month is germinating in the greater Waltham area.

Budding in 1996 and by the Academy of American Poets, this celebration springs up to spread poetry and cultivate a new crop of poets in the United States.

Throughout the month, I will take to the poetic field and spotlight local poets and poetry collections from the area, as well as events in and around Waltham spotlighting poetry.

My first poetic experience for my readers this month will feature a poetry reading with Martha Collins, author of “Night Unto Night,” and Joan Houlihan, author of “Shadow-Feast.” These two poets will be reading passages of their poetry collections 7PM Tuesday evening at Newtonville Books. This is a free event, located at 10 Langley Road, Newton Center.

Additional poetic events which I will cover this month include a poetry reading at Wellesley Books on April 4, featuring Catherine Stearns, Heather Bryant, and Lynne Viti. The poets will begin their readings at 7PM.

On Thursday, April 5, the Robbins Library in Arlington is celebrating a ribbon cutting ceremony for the “Talking Chair.” This high-tech multi-media experience brings to life poems written by a diversity of folks from Arlington.

Poetry on Demand is procured at Belmont Books on Saturday, April 14. April 14 Belmont Books Poetry on Demand. Poets Whitney Scharer and Allison Adair will be on hand for poem requests any time between 2-4PM.

Gallery 55 on 55 S. Main Street in Natick is hosting their 3rd Thursday Poetry on April 19 from 7-9PM.

Belmont Books is encouraging poets to attend Open Mic Poetry at 79 Leonard Street from 6:30-9. What a tremendous opportunity to hear or be heard!

On Wednesday evening at 7PM, Poets Dan Chiasson and Robin MacArthur will be sharing their poetry at Wellesley Books.

Waltham-based independent publisher and editor Indie Woods is hosting unique events and spreading poetry around Waltham. Each day this month, a poetic clue in Waltham Patch will be provided as to where free copies of a book of poetry can be found around town.

Local Author Jessica Lucci is offering her poetry books, “Person Numbers,” and award-winning “Code Words,” at discounted prices to encourage the reading of poetry throughout this celebratory month. She will also unveil her newest book of poetry, “Freedom For Me.”

Check back each day as I continue this series for Waltham’s National Poetry Month Celebration.