Yesterday was about as perfect a writing day as one could ask for: I read books, I copied poems, and then I spent hours and hours writing and revising a poem. And then, out of the blue, I received a royalty check in the mail: a very small check to be sure, but nonetheless proof that someone, somewhere, has actually purchased copies of my poetry collection.

And now here's an invitation from the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance--a response to our governor-elect's decision to cancel the poetry reading at tomorrow's inauguration. I live too far away so won't be able to attend, but maybe you can go to Portland and celebrate the power of poetry. Feel free to copy and send this to anyone else you know in Maine. Yes, the hearts are silly. But so what?

Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance invites you to

“I ♥ Maine Poetry”

Yes, this event is happening at the exact same time as the gubernatorial inauguration in Augusta: Wednesday, January 5 at 12PM.

Yes, this is a celebration not a protest.

Yes, we’ll be holding this event at one of the most obvious places in Maine to celebrate poetry: in front of the statue of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in Longfellow Square, at the intersection of Congress Street and State Street in Portland.

Yes, there will be stickers.

Yes, we’d love for you to bring and read some of your favorite Maine poems, especially those by legends such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Edwin Arlington Robinson, Edna St. Vincent Millay, and Louise Bogan. But please bring any poetry you’d like to!

Yes, we’d like you to forward this invitation to everyone you know. Now.

WHAT

I ♥ Maine Poetry
WHEN
Wednesday, January 5 at 12PM
WHERE
Longfellow Square
(intersection of Congress Street and State Street in Portland)
WHY
Because we owe the poets. Really.
FMI
info@mainewriters.org or 207-228-8263