Aurora Seeks Its First-Ever Poet Laureate
Local poet Leo Zarko (right) presents a book of poetry to Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin in celebration of the city’s new Aurora Poet Laureate volunteer position.
Boxcars clatter and train whistles blow
The Fox River rolls, sometimes fast, sometimes slow
Highs and lows, we all stand together Aurora Strong
Generations of history spanning miles and miles long
A sense of renewal is growing in the City of Lights
Aurora is climbing higher and accomplishing new heights
This excerpt from a poem was recited by Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin during his media briefing Wednesday as he announced the opening of the application process to become the first Aurora Poet Laureate.
Written by Aurora resident and poet Leo Zarko, the poem, titled “Aurora” — pays homage to Aurora’s historical roots and current renaissance.
“This is the type of energy and sincerity that we are looking for in our first poet laureate,” Irvin said. “We need someone who can help tell our story in a poetic and empowering way.”
Zarko was one of many residents who submitted poems in response to city’s social media request for original poetry to be read during the mayor’s announcement.
The Aurora Poet Laureate will celebrate the heritage, uniqueness, diversity and achievements of the City of Aurora through the art and appreciation of poetry. To qualify for the position, the applicant must be a self-identified poet, a full-time resident of Aurora for the duration of the position and available to participate in public events for the duration of the position.
Full details, including the application, are available at www.aurora-il.org/
A committee will review the applications, and finalists will be invited for face-to-face interviews and recitations. The final selection will be made by Irvin during a media briefing on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The first official public appearance at the new Aurora Poet Laureate will be at the annual Veterans Day Parade on Monday, Nov. 11.
The volunteer position is for a two-year term with the inaugural poet laureate serving until the end of Mayor Irvin’s first term in April 2021.
How To Apply For Aurora Poet Laureate
Interested residents may submit an application in one of three ways:
- ONLINE at www.aurora-il.org/AuroraPoetLaureate
- EMAIL completed application in electronic form by preparing a Portable Document Format (PDF) document containing your responses, numbered to match each question application. Send the electronic application via email to mayorsoffice@aurora-il.org.
- DELIVER by mail or in person to: Mayor Richard C. Irvin’s Office | Aurora City Hall | 44 E. Downer Place | Aurora, IL 60507
Application packets will not be returned. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
SOURCE: city of Aurora news release
