By Satyne Doner, Contributing Writer
For many, poetry is a device by which people connect, encourage free-thinking, creativity, and the expression of oneself. National Poetry Month occurs in April every year to celebrate the empowerment of poets throughout the nation.
According to the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month began in April of 1996 to “…remind the public that poets have an integral role to play in our culture.”
Poetry is not just for those who call themselves poets. Poetry is for everyone regardless of their background.
Before professor Gianna Russo became the assistant professor of English and creative writing at Saint Leo University, teaching in both the undergraduate and graduate creative writing programs, she dedicated herself to assisting the youth in Tampa Bay with reaching, in her own words, “artistic maturity,” even if they did not necessarily come from an artistic background. She did this by teaching literature classes in community-based outreach programs to students who might not have had any opportunities in any writing programs prior.
“Poetry is such a personal and communal way to express ourselves,” Russo said. “Having a whole month devoted to poetry allows us to take a breath from the rest of the year and put that into focus.”
Professor Russo has been teaching at Saint Leo since 2011 and was appointed the inaugural Poet-in-Residence for the College of Arts and Sciences, 2019-2022. Russo has written several poetry collections since her first publication in 1983, including “Moonflower,” which was written in 2011, and “One House Down,” written in 2019.
Russo’s 2011 publication, Moonflower, received the Florida Book Award Bronze medal. 
Russo’s 2019 book “One House Down” has received praise for its tenderness and pure expression of emotions.
Russo genuinely believes poetry is for everyone.
“Many times, students will come into a creative writing class and say, ‘I do not know how to write a poem.’ But it is about expressing yourself,” Russo reflected. “National Poetry Month gives educators an opportunity to help make that happen for students.”
For students at Saint Leo, poetry plays an integral part of their daily lives. Sarah Gilley, a sophomore majoring in English with a specialization in professional writing, believes in the power of poetry to connect with people.
“Poetry is one of the most beautiful types of literature, and I think everyone should read it and open their minds. It helps people come together, share their work, and get another perspective,” Gilley said.
Overall, poetry offers an opportunity for people to express themselves, have fun, and connect to like-minded individuals. It allows both students and professors alike to engage in creative and thought-provoking discussions. Whether participating by purchasing a local poets’ collection, drafting a poem, or simply talking about it, National Poetry Month is for anyone and everyone!
