A Different Twist for the Holidays from a Local Poet Laureate

“Poetry is the music of the soul, and, above all, of great and feeling souls,” said French writer, Voltaire.

Poetry takes on renewed importance around the holidays. It brings family and friends together as works like Clement Moore’s Twas the Night before Christmas, John Neale’s Good King Wenceslas and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas are shared around the fireplace. The beauty of the holiday season has inspired numerous works of art, whether it be poems, songs or hymns.

Prince William Poet Laureate, Kathy Smaltz shares how poetry is intrinsically intertwined with our holiday songs and hymns, that we often miss it.

“The words in hymns often started out as poetry, and even those that didn’t – well, song lyrics and poetry have a lot in common. There is a power in hymns, especially in times of great rejoicing or sorrow. During the holiday season, it would be great if people considered not only their favorite music but also experienced old and new poetry.”

Holiday traditions that flow from one generation to the next often carry with them poetry, hymns and songs.

“When I was a little girl, my great aunt gave me The Night Before Christmas picture book, and now I read that same book (which is a poem) to my children every Christmas Eve,” said Smaltz.

Cultures have come together and blended the best of the holiday traditions for enjoyment. Poetry can inspire all regardless of spiritual beliefs.

“For those who celebrate Advent and Christmas as a spiritual time, it’s nice to think about how we might use poetry for quiet contemplation and praise. I have several poet acquaintances through our Prince William network – whose work is primarily spiritual and very uplifting, and who I believe would love to lead sessions for citizens who’d be interested in writing their own Christmas poetry to inspire others and celebrate Christ’s birth,” said Smaltz.

Smaltz created the Poet Laureate Project to establish opportunities for individuals to work with poets to find and express their voices not only during the holiday season but year-round.

“Poetry helped keep me going when I was sad and even depressed. I want to share the gift of poetry with others. When I ask myself, what is it that poetry has really given me? The answer is, encouragement and empowerment,” said Smaltz.

Smaltz is aware that her Poet Laureate Project is ambitious however, she has the support of other poets in the community who want to contribute to its success. She is looking at ways to engage a broader audience by offering workshops to the public at local libraries, nursing homes and even prisons. Smaltz also wants the community to be able to find poets through the poems they read, poetry reading (or slam) events or in writing workshops.

“I want people to write their own stories that free them,” said Smaltz.

Anyone who would like to help with the Poet Laureate Project in any capacity can get in touch with Ms. Smaltz at pwcpoetlaureate1618@gmail.com.