Poetry needs us

In 1780, John Adams of Massachusetts wrote to his wife, Abigail, saying he had to study politics and war so that his grandchildren would have a right to study poetry and enjoy the arts that lift our minds and spirits. We are a long way from the old Revolution, but the best of poetry is still revolutionary and helps keep us free. In 2008, it is time for all of us to celebrate what poetry means in our lives and to the Commonwealth we call home.

For thirty-five years, poetry has enriched my life. I want to see the power of poetry spread across our state. My passion for poetry has led me to join my friends at the Massachusetts Poetry Outreach Project to organize the first ever Massachusetts Poetry Festival, on October 10th, 11th and 12th in Lowell, Massachusetts.  As we prepare our Festival schedule and line up readers and performers, we have an immediate need for your financial support to make this Festival a reality:

http://masspoetry.org/donate/ 

We have planned a three-day celebration of the poets, poetry, and literary heritage of this state, whose contribution to American poetry is unsurpassed in the nation. The celebration will include readings by well-known and emerging poets, workshops and panel talks, films, performance poetry, programs for children and youth, a small press fair, exhibits, literary tours, and more. 

But we need to raise money for this good cause. Our goal is to raise $60,000, and we need another $21,500 to reach it. We are grateful for whatever you can give. If each person on this list gives as much as $100, we will reach our goal. Please donate today and ask one friend to support the Festival. This is a chance to be a founding donor:

http://masspoetry.org/donate/ 

Readers, performers, artists, and presenters will include Marjorie Agosin, Lucie Brock-Broido, Martin Espada, Rhina Espaillat, Henry Ferrini, Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord, Regie Gibson, Barbara Helfgott Hyett, X. J. Kennedy, Samkhann Khoeun, Eileen Myles, Joyce Peseroff, Robert Pinsky, Jeff Robinson, Ed Sanders, Lloyd Schwartz, Joe Torra, and Everett Hoagland, among others. Poetry groups from the Merrimack Valley, Worcester, Cape Cod and elsewhere will offer readings. Student poets from UMass Boston, UMass Lowell, Emerson College, and Lesley University will participate.

This is our opportunity to celebrate the transformative art of poetry. Save the date for the Festival in October and vote with your feet by coming to Lowell – but please give today so we can make the first Festival an extraordinary success. We are still finalizing our programs and venues. Tickets will go on sale beginning Monday, August 18.  Your donation today will allow us to rent larger facilities, expand our reach across the state, and offer more programs for young people and for teachers.

http://masspoetry.org/donate/

Thank you for everything you do – for your belief in the power of poetry. 

Paul Marion, Lowell Poetry Network