Poetry project travels to Shrewsbury
By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter
Shrewsbury - The Worcester County Traveling Poetry Project, which aims to increase discussion and education about poetry, made a stop at the Shrewsbury Public Library Nov. 13.

Heather Macpherson leads a discussion about poet Mary Oliver during a Worcester County Poetry Association event at the Shrewsbury Public Library Nov. 13. MELISSA MUNTZ

"Poetry spreads across all types of people and age groups," Worcester County Poetry Association (WCPA) member Francine D'Alessandro said. "But many people never see poetry once they leave school … So part of the reason this association was founded was to off er poetry education out of the classroom."

The group hosts informal poetry discussions all over Worcester County, but the poet whose work the discussion will revolve around is decided by the individual group member who is arranging a particular event.

The only restriction on discussion subjects is that the poet must be someone whose work is easily accessible in either the library or on the Internet to allow everyone who may want to participate in the discussion a chance to read the poems ahead of time.

Poet Mary Oliver was the subject of discussion at the Shrewsbury event, which was facilitated by Heather Macpherson, the editor of the Ballard Street Journal and an elementary school librarian.

"I hope they walk away with more interest and understanding of Mary Oliver and poetry itself, whether they're reading it or trying to attempt to write it," Macpherson said.

Aside from highlighting the work of local and famous poets, the discussion groups are also a way for the WCPA to reach out to the public and increase its membership.

"A lot of people have a lot of creativity that they're not expressing, and this allows people the freedom and safe location to share," D'Alessandro said.

The Worcester County Traveling Poetry Project is currently adding new libraries to its list of stops throughout Worcester County. Visit www.wcpa.homestead. com for more information about upcoming events and membership opportunities.