Ok, so what would you say to this article in the paper?

I would be happy as a visitor from outside Massachusetts to send my response to the newspaper... if you think it might be of assistance.

I came all the way from Chicago to attend the Massachusetts Poetry Festival. I was amazed at the thriving arts community in Lowell and attended all the featured events and several other activities during my stay. I even had the honor of meeting your wonderful Mayor, who welcomed me and several of my friends to this educational and entertaining event. I was blown away by the true artistry of writers such as Regie Gibson, Rhina Espaillat, Martin Espada and Robert Pinsky. I was deeply touched by the beauty imparted by their words. If you were to listen...really listen... you could have the priviledge of hearing it too. I could go into the many reasons you should give free verse another chance, but after reading your words Mr. Phelps... I believe your mind is already made up

"It is the eye of ignorance that assigns a fixed and unchangeable color to every object; beware of this stumbling block." - Paul Gauguin

Laurie Blum