Maine's new Poet Laureate has a website, where you can learn more about him and his work. He is the editor of the highly acclaimed "The Maine Poets: An Anthology" (The Google Books link has some free pages to view, but it is definitely worth buying).
His poetry has been chosen by former US Poet Laureate, Ted Kooser, for the American Life in Poetry series. Two of them are "For My Wife", and "The One I Think of Now".
You can also watch a great video from the Library of Congress, where McNair shared the dais with Maxime Kumin in a 2006 reading.
Colby College also has a video online called "My Life as a Poet" which is a 51-minute presentation he gives about his life. It includes slides and pictures from his early family life and items from his papers, which are collected at Colby Special Collections.
April 16, 2011, Augusta, ME
Ninth Annual Terry Plunkett Maine Poetry Festival
Once again, I had the honor of hearing Wes McNair present some of his poems.
His poem about his mother's demise left me tearful and contemplative.
His poem about the puppy and its sad life tethered to a leash left me shaken
and angered because I am an animal lover and advocate. Mr. McNair read one of his poems about a grange meeting; the entertainment theme was sharing hobbies. Mr. McNair wrote a poem featuring members of this grange, and it was a hoot!Coincidently, shortly after his presentation, I excused myself to volunteer at a local granger bean supper!
Poet McNair's poems are poems that I can relate to. He takes me back to memories and past experiences. I listen and once again celebrate or grieve,
laugh or cry!
I was asked by the Manchester, ME Grange if Mr. McNair could send me his poem? They would like to read the poem at one of their Grange meetings!
* They have their own Dolly Lee!
Also, I wonder if I could have a copy of the puppy poem to share with the Kenn. Valley Humane Society? This is a poem that should be posted and shared by kennels, pet stores, and animal shelters. No puppy or dog should have to spend life tethered and neglected, a world only as large as the reach of its chain!
Thank you!
Mr. McNair, your poems touch the hearts and souls of those of us who live in Maine! Your poetry is easy on the ears and magic in the mind!
Hoping you'll return to the poetry festival next year?
Sincerely,
Donna Dachs
Posted by: Donna L. Dachs | 04/17/2011 at 11:23 AM