Photo by Gretchen Weiss / Anchorage Daily NewsApril is the official poetry month, but the long dark winter seems to have sparked an eagerness for verse. Here are some poetry events for February:

Alaska Urban League: Haitian Relief Fundraiser
9 p.m. Saturday, February 13, Spenard Roadhouse, 1049 W. Northern Lights Blvd. (770-7623)

Join Melissa Mitchell, DJ Kima, Pamyua and more for a night of slam poetry, live music and a live auction. All money raised will go to support World Food Programme Haitian Relief.

The Poetry of Love
1 p.m. Saturday, February 13, Fireside Books, 720 S. Alaska St., Palmer
Debra Bohn reads poetry, myths, and stories that have to do with love. (1-907-745-2665)

Poetry Parley: Dr. Suess
7 p.m.Wednesday, Feb 17, Out North Art Gallery, 3800 DeBarr Road (279-8099)

A chorus of voices will read selections from the famed children’s book author and cartoonist Theodor Suess Geisel. A local poet will also read from their own work.

Palmer Through the Looking Glass
Fireside Books, 720 South Alaska Street, Palmer. (745-2665)

Nonsense Poetry Contest. -- Submissions due by Feb. 20 and performed during the Nonsense Poetry reading, Saturday Feb. 27.

'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
--Lewis Carroll's nonsense poem, "Jabberwocky"

-- Gretchen Weiss