The Land Trust of West Haven’s Poetry Post has stood on the boardwalk near the bocce courts for the past 25 years. On it are poems, drawings, and photos submitted by residents that reflect the wonder of nature and concern for the environment. Published poets from West Haven, including Claire Zoghb and Poet Laureate Tony Fusco, have graced the post with their work over the years.
For the past three years, Land Trust Vice-President Marilyn Wilkes has organized poetry contests in cooperation with West Haven Public Schools Coordinator of Language Arts, Social Studies, and Library Media, Colette Bennett. These have resulted in increasing awareness among our younger citizens about our diminishing natural resources and the dangers posed by pollution, overdevelopment, and climate change.
In the late 1990s, members of the Land Trust of West Haven were brainstorming ways to encourage citizens to become more aware of the beauty of our natural surroundings and to get involved in helping to preserve them.
At that time, board member Dolores Libow belonged to a writers’ group organized by poet and nature lover, Dr. Sue Holloway.
Dr. Holloway shared that in some countries, poets hung their poems on a line in the market to sell them. It was a public activity.
Patricia Herbert, a local educator and long-time member of The Land Trust spoke at meetings about how, in the past, messages for the public were posted in a designated space on the town green.
Additionally, the concept of a Peace Pole was discussed. This is an internationally recognized symbol of peace. The words “May Peace Prevail on Earth” are etched on a six-sided pole in a variety of languages. Peace Poles stand vigil in silent prayer in every country in the world.
The distillation of these three concepts led to the idea of a Poetry Post. Gabriel Alvandian, local engineer, former president of The Land Trust, and long-time open space activist, designed a four-sided structure that allowed for the display of poems in all kinds of weather. He oversaw the construction of his creation.
During the tenure of Mayor Richard Borer, the site of the Poetry Post was further developed with the cooperation of the Department of Public Works, under the leadership of Barbara Barry, and the Department of Parks and Recreation under the auspices of Bill Slater. Beth Sabo, at that time with the Department of Human Resources, worked with members of The Land Trust of West Haven to enhance this location with benches and plantings.
If you are interested in becoming part of this history, please submit your poem, prose, photo, or artwork to fit in an 8” by 11” space in one of the following ways:
~~ Mail your piece to The Land Trust of West Haven Inc. P.O. Box 269, West Haven, CT 06516
~~ Drop it off at the main desk of the West Haven Public Library, 300 Elm St. West Haven, CT 06516
~~ Send it by email to [email protected]
For more information about the Land Trust of West Haven or to become a member, visit its website at www.landtrustwesthavenct.org.