ORDER OF COUNCILLOR JOHN M. TOBIN, JR.


Whereas: There are times in the affairs of a great metropolis
when only poetry can give a voice to the profound
sentiments of solemnity or celebration of the general populace; and

Whereas: Of late there has been a matter of great public debate
on the city's airwaves and in the daily papers
that our own Boston Bard should forthwith be appointed
to record in rhyme and verse both the civic events of great import
and our next door neighbors' capers; and

Whereas: There is a rich and time honored tradition
of famed poets and poems written of this great city.
In these momentous times it is incumbent upon us
to rise to the occasion or failing thus
march in the ranks of Walter Mitty; and

Whereas: John F. Kennedy advised: "When power leads man toward arrogance,
poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence."; Therefore Be It

Ordered: That the appropriate committee of the Boston City Council conduct a public hearing to consider the appointment of a Poet Laureate for the City of Boston and invite the appropriate city officials and representatives of the arts community and members of the public to testify.


Filed in Boston City Council: Wednesday January 31, 2007