Dear Poets,

Our oldest and best known stories come from poems. There’s just something about the rhythm and language of poetry that makes it the perfect medium for sharing deep truths about what it means to be human in the world.

I think some of America’s greatest treasures are hidden in its poetry. We already saw how well Woody Guthrie captured the beauty, diversity and free roaming nature of America in “This Land Is Your Land.” You have all heard Francis Scott Key’s words about America’s resilience in “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Today we will meet another great American poet, and throughout the year we will learn about American history and geography and culture by studying the rich song and poetry of the American people.

Sincerely,

Mr. Heimbuck