Cobourg may continue Poet Laureate tradition

Photo by Dan Jones, CFWN, LJI

By Cecilia Nasmith

As Cobourg's second Poet Laureate, Ted Amsden would like to see the town continue to have this position – and at its meeting Wednesday, council agreed.

Appearing before council to make the suggestion, Amsden recalled how he was inspired by his predecessor Eric Winter to explore and develop what was then his secret passion for poetry.

“I matured as a poet and became comfortable reading my poetry,” he reported – so much so that he applied to be Winter's successor.

As Poet Laureate, Amsden commemorated public events, visited schools, welcomed visitors and gave readings. His efforts were noted and even appreciated by people from all walks of life.

“I was encouraged, seen and acknowledged,” he reported.

“As the town supports the Northumberland Art Gallery, so they should support the literary community,” Amsden urged

“Please ensure the position of Poet Laureate goes forward.”

He closed with a reading of his own poem likening a poet laureate to a canary in a mine.

“I am sad that we do not have a Poet Laureate – our last attempt was through an ad hoc committee,” Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty said.

Amsden expressed his hope that a successful candidate would be “a representative of the town as opposed to its bureaucracy.”

Beatty made the motion to refer the Poet Laureate ad hoc committee terms of reference to the first council meeting of the next term. The motion passed.