By Cindy Christy Fertsch
The setting was poetic. Pink-streaked skies with cawing seagulls inspired goosebumps. Children giggled from across the park. The breeze, welcome after long months of humidity, whistled between the trees.
Poetry like espresso, nuanced and rich, echoed from a local poet’s lips to the audience, eager for beauty and meaning.
On Sunday, Aug. 11 at 6 p.m., the Somers Point Arts Commission hosted its annual “Poetry in the Park.” The event featured nine renowned local poets, who shared original works, followed by an open mic.
The showcase was hosted by Sarah Fertsch, the 2024 Somers Point Poet Laureate. She sprinkled her pieces into the set, including “Mountain in Another Life,” “Fish Bones,” and “Grief is a Roller Coaster.”
Jordan Road School students Abby Sullivan and Mimi Zahir read their poems about growing up down the shore. The students won an in-school poetry slam, which served as the final project of poetry classes, led by Laureate Fertsch.
Other featured poets included Christine Salvatore, David Milley, Anndee Hochman, Doug Otto, Marya Parral, and Rich Russell. Maria Provenzano, a previous poet laureate for the town, was honored as well.
“Thank you for all your hard work to organize the event, and thanks, too, to the Somers Point Arts Commission for creating such a lovely space for poetry in our area,” said Marya Parral. “The Kennedy Park setting is so beautiful and the chance to share readings of our poems within the context of such a friendly gathering of people feels wonderfully uplifting. I’m so happy to be included!”
“It was lovely to be in such creative company – and with made-to-order weather,” said Anndee Hochman, Philadelphia-based storyteller.
Shana Kestrel, a member of the Arts Commission, said, “What a beautiful gathering of poets!! Thank you (poets) for sharing your incredible gifts with us last night.”
Follow the Somers Point Arts Commission on Facebook for upcoming events, including the Poetry Society monthly meetings, which will resume in September. Meetings will be held on the second Thursday each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Somers Point Senior Center.
