Our Poet Laureate

On May 21, 2009, just one week after we started our blog, we made our first oversight. Darrell Bourque, was named Louisiana's Poet Laureate by Gov. Jindal, and we completely whiffed on the announcement. Bourque, a Louisiana native, is retired professor emeritus of English at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is the author of several books, among them "Plain Songs" and "Blue Boat".
I didn't feel quite as bad for missing this story when I learned that Bourque was actually named to the post in 2008, but an administrative foul up kept his name from appearing in front of the legislature for confirmation. What I do know is Bourque is an absolute treasure to our part of the world.
He will be giving readings at Xavier University, and the University of New Orleans this week. Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Room 197 of UNO's Liberal Arts Building. At 7 p.m. on Thursday, he will speak in Room 205 of Xavier's University Center.
Here is a link to John Pope's article in the Times-Picayune, and here is a link to Susan Larson's article, also in the Picayune, on the announcement of Bourque's re-appointment back in May.