Life is full of changes. So, the North Shore Poets’ Forum has a little change to announce. The annual Poetry Reading in celebration of National Poetry Month that features readings by winners of the Naomi Cherkofsky contest followed by an Open Mic is from the third Saturday in April to the last one. That’s April 26, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Beverly Public Library.
I have been a sleepy, lazy, cold lady this winter and haven’t posted much. Still am. But, here’s a little poem by Billy Collins to give you — and me — hope. (Note: WordPress does not allow all poetic formatting! So, I have an ellipse to indicate stanza breaks.)
TODAY
By Billy Collins
If ever there were a spring day so perfect,
so uplifted by a warm intermittent breeze
…
that it made you want to throw
open all the windows in the house
…
and unlatch the door to the canary’s cage,
indeed, rip the little door from its jamb,
…
a day when the cool brick paths
and the garden bursting with peonies
…
seemed so etched in sunlight
that you felt like taking
…
a hammer to the glass paperweight
on the living room end table,
…
releasing the inhabitants
from their snow-covered cottage
…
…
so they could walk out,
holding hands and squinting
…
into this larger dome of blue and white,
well, today is just that kind of day.
North Shore Poets' Forum 
Much better timing, especially for those who celebrate Easter. Thnx.
can one submit by e-mail and still meet the March 22 deadline?
I am sorry, no, but just pop it in the mail today…or even tomorrow. We’ll assume you made the deadline. Thanks for your interest!
Is there a charge to attend this event on 4/26?
Fred & Gloria Andrews”Live every moment, laugh every day, and…LOVE beyond words…”
No charge! If you’d like to read after the contest winners during the Open Mic, just bring a few poems and enjoy the day.