"I am 3/4ths Canadian, and one 4th New Englander - I had ancestors on both sides in the Revolutionary war." - Elizabeth Bishop
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Sunday, July 31, 2011

Our Worcester Correspondent Writes --

Robert Pinsky and Chares Simic, both former poets laureate of the United States, will give poetry readings at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester.

The readings are part of the Worcester County Poetry Association's “EB100” celebrations to honor the 100th birthday this year of Pulitzer Prize-winning Worcester-born poet Elizabeth Bishop (1911-79). Pinsky and Simic will choose a number of poems by Bishop to read along with their own works.

The readings are part of a daylong poetry celebration at The Hanover Theatre beginning at noon Aug. 13. The day will include an open mic, tables with books, journals and CDs by local poets and information on the Worcester poetry scene, a public reception and book signings.

All the events are free.

Pinsky was poet laureate from 1997-2000 during which time he founded the “Favorite Poem Project” in which thousands of Americans (of varying backgrounds, all ages, and from every state) shared their favorite poems.

Simic, poet laureate 2007-08, was born in Belgrade and came to this country with his family, living in Chicago. He has been praised for the “stunning and unusual imagery” of his poetry.

A number of EB 100 celebrations have been taking place in Worcester this year to honor Bishop, who more and more is being is being recognized for the quiet and enduring power of her poetry.

-- Richard Duckett, in The Worcester Telegram and Gazette

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