This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Poetry Month — the largest literary event in the world, says the Academy of American Poets, which conceived the idea in April 1996.
Just as other organizations elevate causes during specific awareness months, the Academy of American Poets wants people to read poetry, attend poetry events, support poets, and enjoy poetry not only during April but year-round.
Many of us may remember in grade school reciting “Roses are red, violets are blue. Sugar is sweet. And so are you.” We didn’t know that we were enjoying poetry. However, it’s often when we become adults that we buy into the myths that poetry is difficult to understand and read — that it’s too syrupy and meant for intellectuals and academics.
We can appreciate poetry in traditional, spoken-word, jazz, slam, and rap forms, as well as in Scripture, such as the Psalms. The genre has many other facets where “poetry and piano breathe together.” This is what local poet, classical pianist, and community arts organizer Valdez Hill is bringing to Solano County in an elegant event, “Poetry and Piano.” He’s inviting the community to join in the celebration of National Poetry Month.
The April 26 poetry event is scheduled from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and features award-winning pianist Shiori Kiriake. Local guest poet laureates will perform their works after the recital, followed by poets and readers of every experience level to share their voices and “join the ongoing symphony of the room,” said Hill.
In honor of National Poetry Month, the gathering creates an opportunity for the community to support local poets and enjoy an afternoon rich with the depth of human emotions and experiences expressed through poetry.
Poetry and Piano marks the fourth event of “Voices at the Table,” a literary group founded by Hill that invites both new and experienced poets to share their creative work. Hill stated in an email interview that the goal of Voices at the Table is to cultivate an environment where individuals can share their most intimate thoughts without fear of judgment, and where the room listens as much as it speaks.
Beyond the memorable fellowship, the delicious food, and the warmth of gathering, he hopes that people leave with a sense that their voices matter. And that there’s room for them. He also hopes that people who attend will also sign up to share their unique narratives. Why should individuals volunteer to participate?
Hill emphasized that heartfelt creativity needs expression — it needs to be heard and, more importantly, received. This level of vulnerability requires significant courage to stand before an audience and share a poem, a piece of writing, or a song that comes from a quiet, unguarded place within them. Such expressions deserve not only respect and encouragement but also play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and belonging among participants, he explained. Taking part in the “open mic” segment of these events greatly contributes to a poet’s personal and artistic growth.
Hill, a published poet, said he stumbled into poetry by accident. One Christmas, he created a book of love poems as a gift for his partner, paired with photographs from their travels and the music events they shared. Afterward, he stopped writing. Years later, after a lengthy illness, he returned to playing the piano — his first love. Someone suggested that he write a poem to accompany the music he plays. Hill listened. Many publications later, his talent has been nurtured and supported by his partner, his family, and a circle of other poets and mentors.
The Academy of American Poets also wants to bring awareness to how poetry can become important in all our lives. In response, Hill believes that poetry keeps the mind active, deepens the capacity for connection, and invites new ideas and perspectives, as well as new ways of understanding both ourselves and others. Additionally, when we encounter a poem that truly speaks to us — we recognize something of ourselves in it and of others, he stated.
Indeed. Just as other genres explore a problem, tell a story, or express emotion, a poem’s rhythmic and lyrical use of metaphors and similes, images, verbs, and adjectives, along with its pattern of vowels and consonants and its structured lines, creates a unique visual picture in our minds and evokes our senses. Even if we don’t understand a poet’s intended message, I’ve observed that a poem’s unique characteristics may cause us to applaud, nonetheless, because of the connection it creates to the reader or audience.
At many community vigils, people have read poems to offer comfort and give voice to painful truths. Poems have highlighted grassroots movements and moved one to action. Poems have inspired and educated. A poem also puts a human face to the “other” as it relates to biases and cultures different from our own.
Hill concluded: poetry reminds us that what we carry inside us — our thoughts, our struggles, and our quiet reflections — aren’t isolated. Our inner worlds can be shared, shaped, and understood. In that way, poetry doesn’t only belong to poets. It becomes part of how we live, reflecting the message of National Poetry Month.
To reserve a reservation at the free “Poetry and Piano” April 26 event, contact Hill at stng21@yahoo.com or (510) 449-4402.
— Danette Mitchell is a social justice issues advocate, 2021 31 Inspiring Women of Vacaville, and 2022 Women of the Year Congressional Award Recipient presented by Rep. John Garamendi. E-mail: socialimpact16@gmail.com
