On Monday, October 3rd, Cobourg appointed its third poet laureate, Ted Amsden. Amsden will remain poet laureate for a term of three years, ending in 2014.
Amsden?s appointment has been featured on NorthumberlandNews.com, Northumberland Today and he is the Cobourg Poetry Workshop?s Poet of the Month. The CPW website also has a Q&A with the poet, one of his poems and a transcript of his acceptance speech. (James Pickersgill, Cobourg Poetry Workshop)
Amsden is also well known as a journalist and photographer. He has been involved in Cobourg?s community for over 20 years and has gotten involved in Cobourg?s poetry scene in more recent years. He also gives readings at the Cobourg District Collegiate Institute West and enjoys getting students involved in poetry. (Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland Today)
The poet laureate is required to compose poetry for town events and is meant to promote literature, art and culture. Amsden brings to the role a strong sense of fun and gave a Dr. Seuss-like acceptance speech. He stated "There's fun afoot here, and I plan there's going to be fun[.]" He also professed the belief that poetry contributes to a strong and healthy community and stressed the importance of creativity and play. (Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland Today)
The town of Cobourg and the Cobourg Poetry Workshop anticipate great things from Amsden and are thrilled at his appointment.
Excellent, thanks so much for the links, Wally!
A video of Ted Amsden's accetance speech can be found here: http://cobourgtown.blogspot.com/2011 ...
and commentary (Bard to the Bone) on the poet by Cobourg's first poet can be found here: http://cobourgtown.blogspot.com/2011 ...
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