Meet the New Poet Laureate

Cathy Smith Bowers, a Tryon resident who teaches creative writing at Queens University in Charlotte, has been named North Carolina Poet Laureate by Governor Beverly E. Perdue. The state poet laureate serves as ambassador of N.C. literature, past and present and for all N.C. writers, especially living writers. Look for Smith Bowers as she travels across the state to engage writers of all ages; make personal appearances in public schools, other educational institutions and community events; and inspire North Carolinians in their own literary pursuits.

“Poetry moves us in a profound and positive way,” Smith Bowers says. “I am hoping this will be an opportunity for me to keep everyone in touch — poet and word lovers alike.” She succeeds Kathryn Stripling Byer, who held the post from 2005 to 2009.

Smith Bowers is the author of four poetry collections: The Love That Ended Yesterday in Texas, Traveling in Time of Danger, A Book of Minutes and The Candle I Hold Up To See You.

Learn more about the poet laureate program by visiting ncarts.org/poet_laureate.cfm. You can also watch videos of Smith Bowers reading and talking about her work at YouTube: