April is always National Poetry Month in the USA. The first thing that pops into my mind when someone mentions “April” and “poetry” in the same sentence is the opening lines of T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land.”

“April is the cruelest month, breeding

Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing

Memory and desire, stirring

Dull roots with spring rain.”

I would have replaced “dull” with “cold,” but Maine is colder than St. Louis, Missouri, this time of year. So that’s fine.

To celebrate Poetry Month, BHML has launched a writing event: Poetry Now! The goal is to create a book of poems reflecting the many voices of the Boothbay region during this time like no other.

Here’s how it works: Each person may submit up to three poems through April 30. Each submission should include your name, town, the title of the poem, and, of course, the poem itself. You may request that we publish the poem anonymously or provide a pseudonym.

This special event is open to people of all ages --- kids, teens, and adults.

You may submit your poems online at https://bbhlibrary.org/poetry-now/; mail them to us attn: Poetry Now, BHML, 4 Oak Street, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538; or, simply drop them in the book drop marked “Poetry Now.”

We are taking the broad view of poetry for our event: if you prefer prose, and simply want to share your thoughts to be included in this collection, we welcome your words.

Please note that all entries will be published in the final compilation. Some submissions may be published online, on the website, or other outlets from March 30 - April 30 to advertise the event. By submitting your poetry you agree that BHML may use your entry in any way it sees fit for library purposes for the rest of time! Works should be previously unpublished and/or written for this compilation.

Need some inspiration to get you started? Search “Everything you need to write a poem (and how it can save a life).” It’s a TEDxUTSC talk by Daniel Tysdal and you’ll find it on YouTube.

So come on, get writing!