Are You a Poet Who Knows It?

Let the Maya Angelou in you blossom, and vie to be the city’s first-ever poet laureate.

The decision to create the post was approved by the City Council in December, and a call went out then for applicants, but the committee didn’t get enough qualified applicants in the first go-around so has extended the application deadline to July 29.

Applicants need to submit three to five original poems, that can be published, and must be:

• At least 21 years old.

• An active poet who has been published or recognized for poetry contributions.

• The sole creator of the submitted poetry.

• A Cupertino resident or employed in Cupertino for at least two consecutive years.

• Comfortable with public speaking (if speech impaired, a speaking delegate can be appointed).

• Fluent in English.

• Able to commit to a two-year term.

The ability to write and read poetry in another language is desired but is not a requirement for the post.

The unpaid position is expected to help raise literary awareness in the community, says Bev Lenihan, a member of the Cupertino Library Foundation and one of the selection committee members.

Application forms are available in various locations throughout the city, such as:

• cupertino.org/poetlaureate

• City Hall lobby

• Public Library reference desk

• Sport Center

• Senior Center

• De Anza College

Final interviews for the position will be Aug. 8-12, and the position begins in September.