In The Road Not Taken, American poet Robert Frost, concludes his most famous poem with the prophetic words “two roads diverged in the woods, and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
Poetry is an amazing construct in that much like a talented surgeon wields a scalpel to save a life, a poet can weave words as simple and as powerful to capture the exploration of the human experience, as Frost had done when the poem first appeared in print in 1915.
To share ones thoughts in rhyme, in rhythm and to be able to evoke feelings from those who are in the presence of such words is no small feat. To be a poet is to put forth your heart and soul for all those you know and who are members of the community to see, to hear, and to feel. For that is commendable and should so be recognized.
After a whirlwind two-month search, and an open call for submissions for the City of Sedona’s first ever Poet Laureate, we have our finalists. Congrats to our Senior Poet Finalists, Gary Every, Clint Frakes, Teresa Pace, Camille LeFevre, and Martha Entin. Congratulations to our Junior Poet Finalists, Anya Blue Lior, and Felicia Elizabeth Grace Foldes. Their submissions impressed the selection committee, and the community at large is invited to hear them speak samples of their craft on Wednesday, April 16 at 6pm in the Community Room at Community Library Sedona’s main branch.
Experience the power of words and the artistry of Sedona’s poets as the finalists for Poet Laureate take the stage for their first public reading! The poets will share their unique voices, offering perspectives that inspire, challenge, and connect. This event isn’t just about poetry; it’s about celebrating the creativity and diversity of the Sedona community. Attendees will leave with a renewed appreciation for the power of expression and a sense of connection to the stories and emotions that unite us all.
Additionally each poet will also be given the opportunity to publicly present their poetry at the following events – Monday, April 21 from 7:00-9:00pm at Mary Fisher Theater
and Monday, April 28 from 6:00-8:00pm at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. All finalists will be judged on their work and public presentation, with the final winners to be appointed by City Council in May!
We hope you are able to attend to experience the debut of the City of Sedona’s First Poet Laureate.
Sedona Public Library DBA 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 April 11, 2025, by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Scheduling Coordinator
