Poetry Made Visible

Waltham and surrounding towns observed the twenty-second annual National Poetry Month with a collection of diverse events to enrich our common culture. Tonight, the holiday has been drawn to a close with a festive gathering of local poets. Newtonville Books opened its doors to a vibrant panel of poets featured in Ken Bresler's new book, "Poetry Made Visible: Boston Sites for Poetry Lovers, Art Lovers & Lovers."

Poet Deborah Lepziger accurately referred to this new volume as a treasure map. It is a unique guidebook to Boston, in a fun easy-read format, with historical stories and local nuances.

Peter Payack, also featured in the literary tour, shared his vision of how poetry and art connects communities. He passed around artifacts of local poetry and art, and described the physical ways in which he endeavors to bring poetry to people.

Anna M. Warrock revealed how her poem, "Remembering My Mother's Face," became a brick in Davis Square. Art inspired art, and now pedestrians and T passengers can be part of the ongoing shared muse of Boston. Details on the bricks and other physical poetry are outlined in Bresler's book.

At this conclusion of National Poetry Month, I am thrilled to continue the theme of covering local events pertaining to literature. Look for my new regular feature starting tomorrow, called "Literally Waltham." Each month I will provide listings of local bookish events and feature them in Waltham Patch. If you know about a local literacy event you would like to share, please contact me through my website. Happy reading!

Jessica Lucci's website: www.JessicaLucci.org