National Take a Poet to Lunch Day

National Take a Poet to Lunch Day, observed annually on January 6, celebrates poetry by encouraging people to share a meal with a poet and show appreciation for the art form. It offers an informal way to connect with poets, discuss their work, and enjoy the conversations that poetry can inspire, according to Holiday Calendar.

Several published accounts say that American poet and professor Arnold Adoff created the day in 1995. Holiday Calendar’s account describes the goal as bringing poets and poetry lovers together over a meal, while another account says that the holiday’s creator cannot be identified. With no agreed-upon origin in the available accounts, the day is best understood through its simple invitation: give poetry—and the people who write it—a seat at the table.

How to Observe National Take a Poet to Lunch Day

Celebrate by inviting a poet you know to lunch, or enjoy lunch while reading or listening to poetry. You could also attend a poetry reading, share favorite poems with friends, or organize a meal where everyone brings a poem to discuss. The Wyoming State Library also suggests listening to poets read their work while you eat.

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