Arlington is pleased to welcome Teresa Cader as the town’s fifth Poet Laureate. In her new role, Cader will strive to make poetry accessible and engaging through community conversations, readings, workshops, and other public events. Her term as Poet Laureate begins April 1, coinciding with the start of National Poetry Month.
Known for her ability to weave personal family history into larger narratives, Cader’s work often explores themes of immigration, memory, and resilience. Her four poetry collections have been received numerous awards, and she has taught poetry at local institutions including Lesley University, MIT, Emerson College, and UMass-Boston.
“I believe that communal sharing of poetry connects people to each other. Poems reveal what makes us human across time, history, culture, and geography.” noted Cader. “I’m moved and honored to be selected as Poet Laureate and by the sense that together we’re all embarking on an exciting phase of connecting our communities to the lifegiving art of poetry. What a beautiful opportunity I’ve been given.”
A celebratory event to welcome Cader and to thank outgoing Poet Laureate, Jean P. Flanagan, will take place in the Robbins Library on Thursday, April 23 at 7 pm. The community is invited to meet the Poets Laureate, hear their poetry, and learn about Cader’s plans to nourish the sharing of poetry community-wide, support local poets, and integrate poetry into the daily life of the Arlington community.
Learn more about the Arlington Poet Laureate Program.