Poem in Your Pocket Day was initiated in 2008 by the Academy of American Poets. Our print shop volunteers have printed from various vintage letterpress plates/cuts from the collection an image on paper and placed it in an envelope. You can come in and choose an envelope that is your  “prompt” to write a poem about that image either on our typewriter or by hand. Poetry is best when shared so feel free to share the poem you create here at the museum or take it home.

Other Ways to Participate

• Select a poem and share it on social media using the hashtag #PocketPoem.
• Print a poem from the Poem in Your Pocket Day PDF and draw an image from the poem in the white space, or use the instructions on pages 57–58 of the PDF to make an origami swan.
• Record a video of yourself reading a poem, then share it on social media.
• Email a poem to your friends, family, or neighbors.
• Schedule a video chat and read a poem to your loved ones.
• Add a poem to your email footer.
• Read a poem out loud from your porch, window, backyard or outdoor space.

Discover more ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in the classroom, or at home or online!