Alexandria's First Poet Laureate Shares Verses at Senior Center

Mary McElveen, former poet laureate of the City of Alexandria stopped by the on Friday to read from her new self-published book, “Close to Home.”

The reading, hosted by the Hollin Hall Poetry Appreciation club, attracted about half a dozen local poetry lovers.

The book’s 26 poems tackle wide-ranging topics, from the changing of the seasons to the feeling of jet lag while traveling across the country.

At the senior center, McElveen read  “A History of Things(for my daughters)”, a poem exploring the legacy objects leave after their owner passes away.

“As I walk through this house of small memories, /there are so many stories, places, people,/ and silly times that sparkle in my recollection,” she read.

Other favorites at the talk included, “Not Quite Spring” which vividly describes the ambiguity that can exist when seasons are in transition. “Grandma’s Pepper Relish” tells the story of trying to follow a family member’s recipe of an old favorite.  See the video for more examples.

McElveen said her ideas come from her life experiences whether it’s something clever her granddaughter said or passing by an interesting sign on the highway.

“If I have an idea I will write it down whenever I have a chance,” she said, adding that she carries notebooks around in case inspiration strikes.

Before she applied to be poet laureate McElveen said she had not shown any of her poems to anyone outside of her family. But at her daughter’s urging, she decided to take the plunge and apply for the position.

McElveen was appointed the city of Alexandria’s first official poet laureate by Ludwig P. Gaines, an Alexandria City Council member at the time. She served in the post from 2007 until 2010.

As the first poet laureate, McElveen had to define the role she would play in the city’s cultural life. It didn’t take too long though, as members of the community began to request that she write a poem for community events and in honor of local residents. 

Some of her other accomplishments include visiting local schools and helping to put on “Poem in your Pocket day in Alexandria.

“It was a tremendous learning experience,” she said.  “I got to meet so many people and do so many things.”

McElveen lives with her husband in Alexandria. She has two daughters.