I read with fascination this weeks NYT account of North Carolina poet laureate Valerie Macons resignation. A self-published poet, selected by their governor, it seems she was shamed into leaving by the poetry elite of the state. Now, Im all for having criteria for a states go-to-person for all things poetry, but sadly, the personal attacks on her poetry and her lack of official poetry credentials just further alienates the public from poetry, cementing the myth that its not accessible and not theirs. We keep generating articles in major publications about whether or not poetry is dead. Poetry is not dead! But I see a big transformation ahead, and the debate about whats good and whats not will continue as in all arts circles with people who provide critique. I also know this: Ive traveled to some amazing places in the world with David Whyte, poet and author, and these were transformative experiences for me, a credentialed poet with high standards. Thousands of people love his work, his philosophy, and his utter commitment to bringing more poetry to more people. Hes not only a great poet, he makes poetry accessible and exciting for ordinary folk who may have had a history of feeling left out of the pleasures of poetry. His publishing credentials include three highly praised non-fiction books, (The Hear Aroused, Crossing the Great Divide, The Three Marriages), but even more importantly to me, hes been publishing his own poetry, the way he wants to, for years. In small, elite poetry circles, hes virtually unknown. I love his irreverence, his dedication, and the work hes doing in and out of organizations, where many still believe theres no room for poetry. Pshaw. Dont get me started.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 17:53:54 +0000