The Academy of American Poets inaugurated National Poetry Month in April 1996 as a month-long, national celebration of poetry, whose goals include highlighting our poetic heritage and introducing more Americans to the pleasures of reading poetry. This issue of Quill and Parchment salutes poets past, present and future! In honour of National Poetry month, the Quill and Parchment Poets will be touring the Pacific Northwest during the month of April.
Here is the itinerary.

"The scent of basil from the grove near your home"
Unmarked Grave
by Lois P. Jones

"Rivers running softly to mingle with the sea"
Isles of Shoals
by Sharmagne Leland-St. John

"Dark waters completely surround me"
Amending John Donne's Geology
by Richard Fein

"Feelings rising like flood waters"
On “Bluebird” by Mary Coleridge
by Carole Bugge

"I will follow the rhythm of my fingers"
Terse Passionata
by Larry Jaffe

"Your sherry eyes saw all"
Emily, You Could Not Shout
by Phibby Venable

"You used to notice the moon."
For Theodore Roethke
by Mary Langer Thompson

"I dream of licking the rivers of juice from your lips"
Talking to Neruda's Ghost
by Sharon Auberle

Poetry 180: A Turning Back to Poetry
by Billy Collins
Reviewed By: Ed Bennett

Photo by: Phil Thomson

NEW BOOK RELEASE
Manoleria
by Daniel Khalastchi

Interview with Larry Jaffe
by Ed Bennett

Poets' Corner
by Rowan Lipkovits

Reminiscent of the "nursery tea" we used to drink as children… perfect for any tea party
Poetry Tea
from the kitchen of Sharmagne Leland-St. John

Another souvenir from childhood tea parties
Poppy Seed Cake
from the kitchen of Sharmagne Leland-St. John

Doesn't everyone love the artisanal value of individual servings?
Almond-Custard Tea Tarts
from the kitchen of Sharmagne Leland-St. John

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