Hello Fellow Writers, Every year in April, I try hard to find a way to celebrate National Poetry Month. For sure, there are some big celebrations going on here and there across the state, even around the nation, and you are lucky indeed if you are included. It is far more low key here in the mountains, but once again I have found a way to personally celebrate. When Kathryn Stripling Byer had to withdraw because of family issues as the judge of the Clay County Poetry Contest, I tried to find another judge to take her place. Finally I gave up and saw it as my opportunity to celebrate poetry. This is an annual event sponsored by the Clay County Historical and Arts Council which I co founded with fellow art teacher Reba Beck 23 years ago. I remember we were both on the Arts Council Board of Directors at the time and they wanted us to do art and poetry contests in the Hayesville schools. We talked about it and decided if the council would make it an annual event, we would coordinate the contests. 

I am covered up with poems from the middle school, high school and adult categories, and I have never felt more involved in National Poetry Month than I do at this moment. Still, I am finding it tough to choose the winners from among so many fine poems written right here in Hayesville, NC.

ANNUAL EVENING OF ART AND POETRY

On the evening of April 22th, Tuesday at 5:00 p.m., you are invited to come celebrate with me at the Hayesville High School Lecture Hall. First there will be an art exhibit and a reception for the winners. I will be reading my poems and  poets will read their winning poems. The program never lasts more than one hour. The auditorium will be packed with parents, grand parents and kinfolks by the dozen. It is free and open to the public. If you have not found a way to celebrate National Poetry Month in Hayesville, please come and join us.