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Norfolk’s Tim Seibles Sworn in as Poet Laureate at Virginia’s State House

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Noted Norfolk poet and Professor of English at Old Dominion University, Tim Seibles, was sworn in yesterday as the 19th Poet Laureate of Virginia.

The ceremony was well attended and conducted by Secretary of the Commonwealth, Kelly Thomasson. Distinguished guests included Laureates Emerita of Virginia — Ron Smith and Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda, Poetry Society of Virginia President — Robert P Arthur, and a host of respected poets from all over the state.

Seibles opened with a piece from legendary Chilean activist and poet, Pablo Neruda, before going on to delight the crowd with an extensive selection of his work from a lifelong career.

Fast Animal, 2012. Etruscan Press
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Praise: “The newest collection from one of America’s foremost African-American poets threads the journey from youthful innocence to the whittled-hard awareness of adulthood. Along the way it immerses the reader in palpable moments —the importance of remembering, the complexity of race, and the meaning of true wakefulness” “Crisply comic, disarmingly frank, and aurally bold …” —Publishers Weekly”

Tim Seibles is the author of five collections of poetry, most recently, Fast Animal (Etruscan Press, 2012). He has received honors including an Open Voice Award as well as fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center. A 2012 finalist for the National Book Award in Poetry, he was asked to serve as a judge over last year’s considerations.

Poet Laureates in Virginia are appointed from the Governor from a list selected through an extensive process conducted by the Poetry Society of Virginia. Laureates serve a two year term wherein they travel throughout the state to promote poetry, educate audiences, and highlight the efforts of other Virginian poets.

Seibles performed a selection from his extensive body of work.
Opening with a piece from Pablo Neruda.
image: Jeff Hewitt
Outgoing Laureate, Ron Smith, introduced Seibles and read a poem. Smith was thanked for his excellent service in the post by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and Governor Terry Mcauliffe.
Ron Smith introduced Tim and treated the audience with one last poem as the outgoing Poet Laureate. Smith was thanked for his excellent service in the post by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and Governor Terry Mcauliffe.
image: Jeff Hewitt
Robert P. Arthur, President of the Poetry Society of Virginia and noted Hampton Roads Poet, watches as Tim reads.
Robert P. Arthur, President of the Poetry Society of Virginia and noted Hampton Roads Poet, looks on as Tim reads.
image: Jeff Hewitt
Seibles pauses for a picture with Poet Laureate Emirata of Virginia -- Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda, and her husband Patricio.
Seibles pauses for a picture with Poet Laureate Emerita of Virginia — Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda, and her husband Patricio.
image: Jeff Hewitt
Tim greets a few well wishers before he's sworn in.
Greeting a few well wishers.
image: Jeff Hewitt
A rapt audience attended the ceremony.
A rapt audience attended the ceremony.
image: Jeff Hewitt
Opening with a piece from Pablo Neruda.
Seibles performed selections from his extensive body of work.
image: Jeff Hewitt
Tim Seibles is sworn in as the newest Poet Laureate of Virginia.
Officially sworn in, Seibles will serve a two year term.
image: Jeff Hewitt

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Jeff Hewitt
Jeff Hewitt is a poet, musician, critic, photographer, and sometimes journalist.