Myrtle Beach Celebrates Poetry with Marjory Wentworth’s New Book Launch

News Summary

Marjory Wentworth, former South Carolina Poet Laureate, launched her new book ‘One River, One Boat’ at the Myrtle Beach Art Museum. The event celebrated her love for South Carolina through poetry and art, highlighting the importance of local literary initiatives. Wentworth’s legacy and the appointment of local poet laureates like Bo Bryan and Marlanda Dekine signify a growing emphasis on community voice in literature, especially during National Poetry Month.

Myrtle Beach Celebrates Poetry with Marjory Wentworth’s New Book Launch

In a delightful gathering at the Myrtle Beach Art Museum, former South Carolina Poet Laureate Marjory Wentworth captured the essence of her love for the Palmetto State during the launch of her new book, “One River, One Boat.” The event on Thursday saw Wentworth share her heartfelt reflections and warm memories of South Carolina, even as she now calls another place home.

A Poet’s Journey

For those who may not know, Wentworth held the esteemed title of Poet Laureate of South Carolina from 2003 to 2020. Her legacy in poetry inspires many, and her latest book serves as a love letter to the state she holds dear. The beautifully crafted collection combines poems and essays that mirror the rich tapestry of experiences—both joyful and challenging—that define South Carolina.

Art Meets Poetry

What makes this book even more special is the stunning cover art created by Wentworth’s dear friend, Mary Eda, who currently showcases her talents in an exhibit at the museum. Visitors can explore the intricate relationship between visual and literary art, all while celebrating the magic of National Poetry Month.

A Bittersweet Memory

As Wentworth reminisced about her journey, she couldn’t help but recall a significant moment from 2015 when her poetry was inadvertently kept from being shared during Governor Nikki Haley’s inauguration. The poem, titled “One River, One Boat,” embodied unity and hope, receiving posthumous recognition from Congressman James Clyburn, who ensured it found its place in the Congressional Record. This incident underscores the profound power of poetry and its role as a voice for the community.

A Call for a New Poet Laureate

Since her departure from the role of poet laureate, South Carolina has been without a state-level poet laureate, which raises questions about how to maintain the arts in the community. Governor Henry McMaster’s office has acknowledged the importance of filling that position and is currently evaluating potential candidates, though a timeline remains uncertain. Interestingly, the Library of Congress notes that by 2024, 45 states have established official poet laureates, highlighting a growing trend across the nation.

Celebrating National Poetry Month

The Myrtle Beach Art Museum is making the most of National Poetry Month with an exciting lineup of events designed to engage the community. One highlight includes Wentworth’s scheduled reading on April 24, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in her reflections that will complement the display by Mary Edna Fraser. Engaging with art and poetry serves to inspire visitors and foster a deeper connection to the local cultural landscape.

Community Poetry Initiatives

Beyond this book launch, Myrtle Beach has recently made strides towards enriching the local literary scene by appointing its very first poet laureate, Bo Bryan, who began his term in January. His mission is clear: elevate the cultural profile of this coastal city while encouraging poetry and literature in schools and civic events.

Additionally, Marlanda Dekine has taken on the role of the first poet laureate within the Georgetown County library system. Dekine’s initiatives focus on community dialogues throughout her poetry, aiming to illuminate Georgetown’s unique history and culture. One project in the pipeline, titled “Imagine Georgetown,” is poised to create a public poetry archive, encouraging residents to reflect on the evolving nature of their town.

The Growing Importance of Local Poet Laureates

The introduction of local poet laureates emphasizes the necessity of celebrating poetry at both local and state levels. As South Carolina continues to navigate this gap without a state-level representative, the emerging voices at the local level bring a renewed sense of optimism and community connection through the arts. Whether through readings, exhibits, or community projects, Myrtle Beach and Georgetown are paving the way for a vibrant literary future.

As the poetry scene flourishes, one thing is clear: no matter where they are, poets like Marjory Wentworth will continue to champion the power of the written word throughout the heart of South Carolina.

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Additional Resources

• WPDE: Former SC poet laureate returns to Myrtle Beach
• Grand Strand Magazine: Art Meets Poetry
• Post and Courier: Georgetown County Library Poet Laureate
• WMBF News: Myrtle Beach’s First Poet Laureate
• Wikipedia: Poet Laureate