WASHINGTON — With April comes National Poetry Month, celebrating the importance of the art form in the U.S.

Established in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month not only highlights the work of past poets but encourages the work of current and future poets.

Whether it’s reading a poem at a presidential inauguration or weaving a poet’s words into a Beyoncé album, poetry continues to influence American culture. Here’re a few ways you can celebrate in the District.

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And if the weather gets a little too dicey, enjoy spoken word from the Youth Speaks YouTube channel, read the poem of the week compiled by D.C. nonprofit Split This Rock, or write your own poems every day of this month following NaPoWriMo online, started by D.C.-based poet Maureen Thorson.