Edgartown has named its first poet laureate. The title was bestowed upon Steve Ewing at the board of selectmen’s meeting Monday.
According to the selectmen, Mr. Ewing’s primarily responsibility as poet laureate is to read a poem at the annual town meeting. Mr. Ewing accepted the job, but took exception to the title. “I don’t know what to say,” said Mr. Ewing. “I’m really honored. Poet laureate is kind of a fancy term ... I’m just a local kid who likes to write.”
Islanders will have a say in selecting the first Martha’s Vineyard Poet Laureate.
Year-round poets must submit five poems of any genre, style or form. A jury of judges will read all submissions, and nominate five finalists. The winning five poets must be willing to participate in a public reading that will be videotaped and distributed on the Martha’s Vineyard Poetry Society’s Facebook page; MVTV; YouTube and through other Island media and agencies.
How did Tina Chang become the Poet Laureate of Brooklyn? By writing the following words:
“I walk the streets of Brooklyn looking at this storefront and that, buy a pair of shoes I can’t afford, pumps from London, pointed at the tip and heartbreakingly high, hear my new heels clicking, crushing the legs of my shadow.”
Well, actually that is a mere sampling of her work taken from her poem Duality. There is so much more to choose from.
Just one week left for West Tisbury poet laureate nominations. On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the ballot box closes and then the waiting begins. Final appointment is made in April.
Nominations forms are available at the West Tisbury Library. All forms require the nominator’s name and contact information along with the nominee’s name and contact information.
Just one week left for West Tisbury poet laureate nominations. On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the ballot box closes and then the waiting begins. Final appointment is made in April.
Nominations forms are available at the West Tisbury Library. All forms require the nominator’s name and contact information along with the nominee’s name and contact information.
The position of West Tisbury Poet Laureate was the brainchild of Cynthia Riggs, a longtime resident and author. It is a municipal appointment with a term of one year (renewable up to three).
