In recent months, Bwog readers have risen from limerick-fearing philistines to haiku-handy aesthetes...and just in time for Poetry Month! And after all, rainy April is the perfect time for indoor sports like contemplation and reflection.

For a gentle night on the town, consider this listing of poetry events. For the heavy-hearted and heavy-handed who can't bear to click the link, a few highlights, after this link:

In which Bwog Arts correspondent Daniel D'Addario watches MTV so you don't have to. Promise him you won't.

This is the worst thing ever to happen to America. I am stuffing my face with Westside Market cheddar on crackers to smother my feelings; from next door, the smell of pot reminds me that hope is still possible. I'm moments into the Video Music Awards, precious time I could have spent writing a novel or teaching children to sing or crying softly into my pillow.

The show begins with a close-up shot of Britney Spears's weave - not artfully done, Brit - and my fantasies that she'd go bald for the show seem to have evaporated. Moments later, I'll be fantasizing that Britney Spears were standing upright, walking in a straight line, and not using "slowly shuffling like Linus Van Pelt" to simulate "dancing." I've given more compelling performances while singing "Like a Prayer" in the shower. She lies down; her backup dancers try to lift her up; they struggle. I stop eating the cheese. Britney lipsynchs (need it be said?) terribly the line, "I still want more." Indeed.

Reaction shots: 50 Cent, nonplussed. Rihanna, cracking up. Dan D'Addario, smiling wistfully at memories of "Umbrella," through unshed tears.