When a spokesperson for the LePage administration commented that the inauguration ceremony would not include poetry or “dry” choral music, perhaps he didn’t realize the importance of the creative arts in this state, and the number of people from all classes and political persuasions who enjoy them.
As Maine Poet Laureate for nearly five years, and a teacher for much longer, I have been impressed by the number of citizens in this state who read and write poetry. Nurses, farmers, teachers, mechanics, police officers, new immigrants-people who enjoy the arts come from many demographic groups.
Perhaps some still think that poetry and other arts are elitist or dull, but that is hardly the case. In poetry, and the literary arts in general, language is valued for its own beauty and potential, and as a tool for exploring the human condition with honesty and insight. In a world of tweets and channel surfing, poetry calls us to slow down and be attentive to the world within and without. Like all arts, poetry is made to give pleasure as well. It seems like a serious misreading of both the arts and Maine citizens to suggest we find the arts dry and dispensable. For the sake of us all, I hope the new governor will become an advocate for the arts and that he will be sensitive to the impressive number of readers and writers, artists and musicians active in the state of Maine.
Betsy Sholl,
Portland
