The value of poetry has long been known. In fact, the United States began honoring a national poet in the eighties – the first official Poet Laureate of the US was Robert Penn Warren, he held the title from 1986 to 1987. Before that the role was known as the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, a title that’s origin goes all the way back to 1937. But as the Europeans always like to remind us, as far as history goes, the US has a long way to go if we want to compete. And in this case, they are once again correct. England honored their first “court poet” John Dryden in 1668. So, they have a few centuries on us. However, if we want to find the true birthplace of the edification of poets, we’ll have to dig even deeper into the past, transporting ourselves to Ancient Greece.
Greece has given the world much. Democracy, the Olympics, the foundations of mathematics, science, philosophy, and a pantheon of various Gods and Goddesses to spark the imagination, who have inspired paintings, sculptures, film, and heck even videos games. It’s one of those very gods, Apollo, son of Zeus, who was the god of art, music, knowledge, dancing, protection of young children, healing, prophecy, light, archery, and poetry. Quite a heavy load of responsibilities, making one wonder if Zeus wasn’t so busy chasing the ladies around, if he couldn’t have somehow helped his son out a bit. But family drama aside, Apollo’s tree was the laurel and so the honored poets of ancient Greece had a laurel wreath bestowed upon them to showcase their special skill with weaving words. Hence, where the term laureate finds its original home.
Fast forward to 2022. Four modern day Americans, all hailing from different states sat around a table discussing the fact that Sedona, with perhaps one of the most inspirational landscapes in the world, did not have its own Poet Laureate. But all good things take time to come to fruition and so, it is now the pleasure of both the city of Sedona and the library to announce – IT’S HAPPENING! On January 29th, the news went live, and all local poets have until mid March to enter themselves and their
amazing, creative, inspiring, moving poetry for consideration to be the very first Sedona Poet Laureate! But wait! It gets better! We will not only nominate one adult (senior) Poet Laureate, but we will also be nominating a young adult (junior) Poet Laureate too!
Okay, okay, get to the guidelines, right? Request heard!
Eligibility Requirements:
· Must reside within the Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District boundaries for at least one year and reside there for at least six months of the year.
· If applying for the Senior Poet Laureate and living outside the district, a strong connection to Sedona must be demonstrated.
· Must be an active poet in the literary arts within the community or beyond.
· Must be willing to make presentations and participate in public readings throughout Sedona.
Junior Poet Laureate applicants must:
o Be between 16 and 20 years old.
o Be a current student or recent graduate from a Sedona or Verde Valley school.
o Be willing to work closely with the Senior Poet Laureate.
· All applicants must pass a background check.
Submission Materials:
· Cover Letter:
o Include name, address, phone number, and email.
o Provide a brief publication history (if applicable).
· Personal Statement:
o Describe why this appointment is important and how it aligns with personal and artistic goals.
o Explain the connection to Sedona and commitment to the local literary arts.
o Outline a brief proposal for planned poetry initiatives and events within the community.
· Writing Samples:
o Submit up to 10 pages of original poetry (published or unpublished).
· Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV):
o Detail relevant experience, artistic accomplishments, and community involvement.
Alright, once the poetry is carefully selected, the cover letter is polished and ready to shine…now what?
All submissions can be sent via email to Tasha Spuches at tspuches@communitylibrarysedona.org or mailed directly to Community Library Sedona Attn:Tasha Spuches at 3250 White Bear Road Sedona, AZ 86336.
Next big question – when is the deadline? March 19th, end of day (5pm). Mark that date in your calendars right now. No one wants to wake up with an unmailed manilla envelope on the kitchen counter on the 20th.
After all submissions are received and the sun rises on March 20th (ok maybe midmorning, some of us are night owls after all) a panel of carefully appointed community members will begin the task of reviewing the works submitted. Up to five finalists will be chosen for both the senior and junior categories and then the fun really begins. Each poet will be given the opportunity to publicly present their poetry at four separate events – the Moment of Art at the City Council meeting on April 8, 2025; Mary Fisher Theater on April 12; the Community Library Sedona April 16; and Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village in late April! All finalists will be judged on their work and public presentation, with the final winners to be appointed by City Council in May!
Ok, what if this newspaper gets accidentally recycled and you can’t find the details on how to submit your work – do not panic, just go to https://communitylibrarysedona.org/poet-laureate/ and all the guidelines, requirements, and expectations are there!
So, here’s your chance to do something worth talking about, to make your mark, and in the words of a personal favorite poet…
“You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies.
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”
Here’s to each and every poet in these red rocks and sloping desert hills of this valley – may you rise to this occasion, believe in yourself and the beauty, the gritty truths, the purpose, and value of your words and get those submissions in. Because there’s a lot of people eager to read them and a world beyond that needs to hear them too.
More information
For more information on the Poet Laureate Program, please contact city Arts and Culture Specialist Nancy Lattanzi at 928-203-5078 or NLattanzi@SedonaAZ.gov.
Community Library Sedona is also a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gifts and support, just like the Friends’ contributions, allow us to provide a plethora of services and programs for the community, for free, all year long. Visit communitylibrarysedona.org/donate to make an online gift today.
As published by Red Rock News
Library News Column for February 7, 2025, by Tasha Spuches, Assistant Director