April is National Poetry Month. We celebrate with profiles and poems of local poets. This series features more than 80 Houston and Texas-based poets recorded between 2016 – 2021. The 2021 edition will feature three poets, reflecting on their life, writing and the pandemic.

Voices and Verses
National Poetry Month: “Color Study: Yellow” By Ariana Lee
Posted on · The Houston Youth Poet Laureate shares a poem inspired by her Asian American identity.

Voices and Verses
National Poetry Month: “Sway” By Ebony Stewart
Posted on · The Houston poet performs a poem dedicated to Black women and girls everywhere.

Voices and Verses
National Poetry Month: “For Tua Be” By April Lim
Posted on · The Houston poet reads a poem inspired by the memory of her long-lost uncle.

Voices and Verses
National Poetry Month: “Leather Jacket” By Justin Jannise
Posted on · The Houston poet reads a poem inspired by an experience at a thrift store.

Houston Matters
National Poetry Month: “The New Cartography” By Julia Guez
Posted on · The Houston-born poet and translator talks about discovering the power of the written word and reads one of her works.

Voices and Verses
National Poetry Month: “Cooking Poems On Stoves” By Zachary Caballero
Posted on · The Houston poet reads a poem inspired by the language of food.

Voices and Verses
National Poetry Month: “The Joy of Seniorhood” By Francis T. Goodbeer
Posted on · The Houston poet reads a poem inspired by what she calls the most exciting time of her life.

Voices and Verses
National Poetry Month: “Shopping While Black” By Loyce Gayo
Posted on · The Houston poet reads a poem written in response to an interaction at a grocery store.

Voices and Verses
National Poetry Month: “Always In Medias-Res” By Ji Yoon Lee
Posted on · The Houston poet reads a poem that explores the in-between spaces of language, translation and identity.

Voices and Verses
National Poetry Month: “Killdeer” By Nick Flynn
Posted on · The Houston poet reads a poem inspired by a broken wing dance.

Voices and Verses
National Poetry Month: “Toldos Azules” By Patricia Coral
Posted on · The Houston poet reads a poem written in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

Voices and Verses
National Poetry Month: “Saffron” By Amir Safi
Posted on · The Houston poet reads a poem inspired by his mother’s cooking.

Voices and Verses
National Poetry Month: “My Dog Barfed” By BJ Love
Posted on · The Houston poet reads a poem inspired by a walk with his dog.

Voices and Verses
National Poetry Month: “Still Life With Wadded Paper Towels” By Paige Quiñones
Posted on · The Houston poet reads a love poem.

Voices and Verses
National Poetry Month: “Self Care” By Jordan Simpson
Posted on · The Houston poet reads a poem inspired by his commitment to health.