In addition to my participation in events this month, I’ll be posting a poem here, every couple of days, on the subject of race in America. If you want to find them, click on the Category “April is Poetry Month.” Please comment if you are moved to do so.
National Poetry Month 2015 is here! There are events and readings all over the place. Below are the three at which I’ll be appearing, teaching, presenting, and poeming. I hope to see you somewhere this month!
Cupertino Teen Workshop
When: Thu, April 9, 7pm – 9pm
Where: Cupertino Library, 10800 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014, United States
I’m joining Santa Clara County poet laureate, David Perez, to co-teach a teen poetry workshop. The workshop is free of charge. If you know a young person who is interested in writing poetry, please encourage him or her to attend! Attendees must pre-register (at this link) or by contacting Teen Services Librarian, Matt Lorenzo at 408-446-1677 x3344.
April 22 Update: Read about the workshop and poems from the students at this link or this one.
San Jose Poetry Festival
When: Sun, April 12, 9am – 5pm
Where: Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. 5th St. San Jose, CA
Come for one or two events or stay for the whole day! There’ll be readings, book signings, free takeaways to commemorate the event, and plenty of inspiration to try your hand at writing a poem. If you have something to share, you can do so at the open mic. Check out the full schedule of events: https://sjpoetryfest.wordpress.com/schedule/ or view pricing details: https://sjpoetryfest.wordpress.com/register/. I’ll be one of the readers during the 12:40 to 1:30 time slot, but I’ll be there all day, taking classes and hanging out.
Update, April 22: Read about the fun I had at the SJ Poetry Festival here (together with my crummy photos of some wonderful poets.)
Poetry Booth at Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival
When: Sat, April 25, 10 am – 5pm
Where: Cupertino Memorial Park, 10185 North Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA 95014, United States
I’ll be joining David Perez again and Erica Goss, Los Gatos Poet Laureate, to offer custom poetry written off the cuff on vintage typewriters. The booth is part of the Cherry Blossom festival, a celebration of Japanese culture, with traditional exhibitions, entertainment and food. For more info, visit http://www.cupertino.org/index.aspx?page=1079 or http://www.cupertinotoyokawa.org/cherry-blossom-festival/
We’ll have magnetic poetry for the kids and will write haiku or other short verse in the spirit of spring for anyone who asks.
April 30 Update: Read here about the fun we had, see some photos and poems from the event.
Cupertino Poet Laureate 
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