PICK-A-POEM

If Duluth’s poet laureate has his way, the Free Poetry Project will gain traction — like a variation on Little Free Libraries. Gary Boelhower is a self-described romantic, after all.

“It’s really a simple idea, and it doesn’t cost much money,” he said. “But to have free poetry available from local poets seems to be such a wonderful thing, to add to the culture of our community. So I’m thinking really big.”

About two months ago, Boelhower and friends began distributing original poems by local writers around coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants and meeting spots — placing dozens of double-sided sheets of cardstock paper into acrylic holders labeled “local free poetry.” Eleven poets — including Boelhower, Deborah Cooper, Sheila Packa,

WHAT: Free Poetry Project

Marie Zhuikov and Cal Benson — have contributed a total of 41 poems. The initial printing was 1,500 cards. There are 12 poem holders currently out in the world — at places like the Duluth Folk School, Amity Coffee, and Yellow Bike Coffee in Hermantown — and there are more scheduled to drop. During a recent visit to the Zeitgeist Arts Building, there was a holder with works by Boelhower (“Nesting,” from his most recent book) and Deborah Rasmussen (“On Performing ‘The Moldau’ by Bedrich Smetana,” previously published in “The Thunderbird Review.”) Each card offers the author’s brief bio and directs readers to the Duluth Poet Laureate Facebook page, where reflections are solicited.

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WHO: 11 local poets have contributed 41 poems

WHERE (SO FAR): Zenith Bookstore, Amity Coffee, Beaner’s Central, Duluth Folk School, Yellow Bike Coffee, Perk Place, Zeitgeist Arts Building, Snooty Fox Tea Shop, Chester Creek Cafe

WHAT TO DO WITH IT: Take it; it’s free. “I imagine someone having a cup of coffee by themself, and picking it up and reading it and being companioned and having emotional resonance with what they’re reading,” poet Deborah Cooper said.

ONLINE: Duluth Poet Laureate Project on Facebook