New York Times Bestselling Author Honors South Carolina in New Poetry Book
“Picturesque landscapes, tumultuous history, tenacious people – these characteristics indelibly mark the essence of South Carolina. These vibrant elements find their way into the new anthology of occasional poems and essays by New York Times-bestselling author, Marjory Wentworth. Her latest work, “One River, One Boat,” serves as a literary tribute to her home state.
Releasing on August 12, 2024, “One River, One Boat” offers a blend of beauty, grief, and endurance — themes prominently echoing within the historical and cultural fabric of the Palmetto State. Wentworth’s poignant verses shed light on significant events such as Hurricane Hugo and the Mother Emanuel AME massacre. Her work also traces the spectrum of human experience from the staggering magnitude of public tragedy to the quietude of personal joy.
“South Carolina is my home and always will be,” Wentworth stated in a conversation with HERE News Network. “I’ll be writing poems about South Carolina for the rest of my life.”
Inspiring a Poetry Movement
As South Carolina’s sixth poet laureate from 2003 to 2020, Wentworth strives to foster a more profound appreciation for poetry within the community. The role of a poet laureate extends further than just penning verse for official occasions; it’s about instilling a love for the art of the written word in the hearts of residents.
“Whether you’re a city, state or United States poet laureate, the essential task is to find ways to broaden the audience for poetry and bring more opportunities for people to read and study poetry and come together over poetry,” she said. “Poetry is a marginalized art form, so the task of a poet laureate is to address that.”
During her tenure, Wentworth joined forces with College of Charleston professor and poet, Carol Ann Davis, to launch the Lowcountry Initiative of Literary Arts. This initiative played a pivotal role in initiating programs like Poets in Schools at Burke High School and Poetry Out Loud, a national high school recitation contest.
Charleston’s Current Poet Laureate, AsiahMae, Reflects on Wentworth’s Legacy
AsiahMae, Charleston’s current poet laureate and a former student of The Art Institute where Wentworth once taught, attributes her poetic growth to Wentworth’s influence. “Since meeting her as my college professor, I’ve met so many other folks who have the pleasure of knowing her and being pushed and guided by her,” she reflects. “I truly believe her legacy is bigger than words, her work is in us.”
The Wait For A New State Poet Laureate Continues
Despite the role of a state poet laureate remaining vacant for nearly four years since Wentworth’s resignation in 2020, Gov. Henry McMaster has yet to appoint a successor.
“In the absence of a poet laureate, the richness of our cultural history fades into the background,” warns Len Lawson, a Newberry-based poet, activist and educator who petitioned for the appointment of the next South Carolina poet laureate last year. Lawson points out that a poet laureate is much more than a conveyor of beautiful words. They serve as the literary ambassadors advocating the collective voice, the shared history, and the common aspirations of a community.
Behind “One River, One Boat”
“One River, One Boat’s” titular poem had initially been written for former Governor Nikki Haley’s second gubernatorial inauguration in 2015. However, due to time constraints, Wentworth’s recitation was omitted from the ceremony, sparking a nationwide discourse around the right to free speech and the place of art in public discourse.
Wentworth’s verse cuts across the South Carolina landscape, weaving together threads of its rich heritage, challenging past, and hopeful future. In her words, “You better look at this history and be honest about it so we can heal.”
The book launch event for “One River, One Boat” is set for September 12, 2024, at Circular Congregational Church, downtown Charleston. The evening will unfold with a book signing reception, a reading, and talks by AsiahMae and Marcus Amaker – Charleston’s first poet laureate. The event will be open to the public.
In a world increasingly seeking connection and understanding, Wentworth’s poetry serves as a beacon, urging us to find unity in our shared experiences, link arms in our common struggles, and celebrate our collective triumphs.
