 P.rincipally, my reason for seeking the position of poet laureate was to make a difference in the lives of many of the people of North Andover through sharing my passion for poetry – written, spoken and read.
In today’s day and age, it is as important as ever to provide a framework for our children (and ourselves) to understand, appreciate and engage in activities promoting creative thought and expression and the healthy sharing of experiences and emotions. That is, I assert the challenge and opportunity that lies before us.
To enable the children of North Andover to experience an avenue of expression, perhaps not otherwise open to them.
To have seniors experience the joy and beauty of poetry, perhaps dormant for too many years.
To have parents become more aware of the gift of sharing poetry with their children and the immense joy of having it returned.
To have the Town enriched by the simple miracle of creative thought and deeply personal expression being shared between it’s people.
The position of poet laureate is about being an artist and an advocate; a writer and a listener; a coach and a cheerleader. It is to harness the wealth of experience and expression that already exists within our beautiful borders and bring it to full life. It is to become a “poetic prism” for all of the richness to be seen and shared. We will have moments to commemorate, serious, sad and silly. We will have fun when laughter is the lesson and share sobering thoughts, and perhaps even tears, when reflection is appropriate. For poetry is the sharing of life, every last drop of it, with each other.
 And when we are done, North Andover may be known as the poetry capital of the USA. Or perhaps, our Town will simply be a kinder, gentler, nicer place to live and grow old. I look forward to the fullness of this web site and the Poetry Passion project with great anticipation.
Thank you, participate and enjoy!
Mike Souza, Poet Laureate
Please note:
© All material in the project website is the intellectual property of the writers and photographers listed. Further use of the material beyond that of the North Andover Poetry Passion Project requires the written consent of the writer/photographer.
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