Patricia O’Brien Named Old Saybrook’s First ‘Poet Laureate for Life’
Faithful readers of Harbor News will already know of the extraordinary work of Old Saybrook’s poet laureate, Patricia O’Brien, whose three-year tenure in that position has brought a new prominence to poetry in the community. Now, in an unprecedented recognition of her success, O’Brien has been named “Poet Laureate for Life”—the first ever such position in state history.
Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna presented O’Brien with the symbolic crown of laurels, sash, and floral bouquet to mark the occasion, representing the gratitude for those whose lives have been enriched by the increased visibility and celebration of poetry in town schools, buildings, and parks, culminating in the poetry contest and Poetry Night held annually at Acton Public Library.