April is National Poetry Month and it’s been a while since I’ve taken the time to slow down enough to truly read poetry. Read it slowly, enjoy it, savor it, relish it. Let it “slow cook” in my heart, mind and soul.

I know…poetry is not for everyone. But I do know that I love it.

So I thought…what is the best way that I can get back into reading poetry on more of a regular basis? How can I be sure to make time for the true enjoyment of poetry? Not really sure I have the answer to that yet. But…I did find a book that I think is going to help me begin that journey. The journey back to re-discovering my love of poetry.

It started with the book pictured above. I was delighted to find this poetry book yesterday, quite by accident. I was actually looking for The Happiness Project, and found this one instead. I have to believe, it was meant to be.

The title of the book is the first thing that caught my attention: she walks in beauty, A Woman’s Journey Through Poems, selected and introduced by Caroline Kennedy.

The book is a collection of some of Ms. Kennedy’s most cherished poems told through chapters that explore and celebrate the beauty of a woman’s life journey. As the book jacket states,” She Walks in Beauty is a priceless resource for anyone,male or female, who wants a deeper understanding and appreciation of what it means to be a woman.”

As I began to read some of the beautiful poems in this collection, this idea came to me…what if I began to do a series of posts entitled, “What are you reading today?” and began to share some of my favorite poetry on my blog by video or podcast. Perhaps by doing so, I could inspire others to join me on this poetry reading  journey. Well…that’s what I’ve decided to do!

With that said…here is my first, humble, entry: Lineage by Margaret Walker.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhKHwJ2XGc0]

My hope is to continue to share this series, “What are you reading today? Poetry that inspires…”, all year and maybe invite some of my wonderful friends to guest post their favorite poems here as well.

Are you inspired by poetry? I recommend you consider starting with “she walks in beauty…”.