Each year, I give a great number of speeches. During many, I recite from memory a poem that captures the spirit of the moment. To me, a poem is one of the best ways to learn about humanity.
Poetry is the language of the soul.
Through words, it expresses what links us, troubles us, and makes us fully human. Every day, the power of poetry is all around. It speaks of love, death, disappointment, and elation. Poetry is the laughter of children, the gentle breeze of spring, and the soft golden rays of the sunset. April is National Poetry Month, a time that brings together poets, literary organizations, libraries, and schools to celebrate poetry and its place in American culture.