This Saturday, former Maine Poet Laureate Wesley McNair will return to “the shadow of Mount Kearsarge” where his career began.
The New Hampshire native was one of three children raised by a single mother from the Ozarks, and takes much of his inspiration from “growing up amongst the hoi polloi.”
McNair lives in Maine, though he emphasizes that “borders are for maps,” and that experiences cross those borders.
Still, coming back is “a very special thing,” he said.
His poetry focuses on people and places, most often in northern New England, the Ozarks and the rural South, where his siblings live.
“I’ve been able to expand what place is, you know, and acquaint people with America in a different way,” McNair said. “You’re writing not just about one place, but about all places and the life in them.”
McNair will give a reading of selected works at the Wilmot Town Hall on Saturday at 7 p.m. after a potluck reception and meet-and-greet at 6 p.m.
“We’re looking forward to it,” said Glynis Hart, director of the Wilmot Public Library. Last time McNair gave a reading, the event ended up being standing room only.
Sponsored by the Friends of Wilmot Public Library, the free and open to the public will have limited seating. Register in advance by emailing wilmotlibrary11@gmail.com.
“I want it to be a one-time experience,” he said. McNair enjoys letting “the reading unfold as it goes and have its own shape because it’s the most important kind of conversation I have to offer.”
