World Poetry Day, celebrated each year on March 21, was founded by UNESCO, an agency of the United Nations system “with the mission to build the defences of peace in the minds of men,” during its thirtieth session held in Paris in 1999.

“One of the main objectives of the Day is to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and to offer endangered languages the opportunity to be heard within their communities,” UNESCO’s website reads.

UNESCO’s Director General released a statement calling upon “all Member States to support this poetic effort, which has the power to bring us together, regardless of origins or beliefs, by that which is at the very core of humanity.” There are 193 United Nations member states, including nonmember states, the Holy See and Palestine.

In celebration of the day, AWP staffers have shared some of their favorite poems. They include:

• Leanne Bowers, Design Editor: “Annabel Lee,” by Edgar Allen Poe
• Jason Gray, Associate Editor: “Directive,” by Robert Frost
• Sarah Katz, Publications Assistant: “Animals,” by Hayan Charara.
• Hannah Landsberger, Conference Events Coordinator: ““Hope“ is the thing with feathers - (314),” by Emily Dickinson
• Kenny Lakes, Membership Associate: “The Obsession,” by Wesli Court
• Kate McDevitt, Director of Web Services and Systems Administrator: “Road Music,” by Richard Siken
• Annie Peña, Web Assistant: “Hammock,” by Shel Silverstein.
• Cynthia Sherman, Director of Exhibits & Associate Director of Conferences: “The River,” by Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Brittany Taylor, Membership Coordinator: “The Emperor of Ice-Cream,” by Wallace Stevens
• Christian Teresi, Director of Conferences: “blessing the boats,” by Lucille Clifton
• Diane Zinna, Director of Membership Services: “Who Has Seen the Wind?” by Christina Rossetti and “ How Do I Love Thee?” (Sonnet 43) by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.