Honoring Gloucester Poet Laureate, Peter Todd. Thursday, November 6, Cape Ann Cinema

Honoring Gloucester Poet Laureate, Peter Todd. Thursday, November 6, Cape Ann Cinema

Gloucester Poet Laureate, cab-driver by day, Peter Albert Todd has been stricken with pancreatic cancer and the prognosis is “guarded.” A miracle might happen and we are praying for one, but pancreatic cancer can spread quickly. In the meantime, Peter’s family is being heavily burdened by the effort plus medical and travel expenses of going to Boston almost every day.

Rufus Collinson, John Ronan [both previous Poet Laureates], City Councilor Melissa Cox and other community members will read a few of Peter’s poems this week at a community event. Peter hopes to read some too. Many of Peter’s poems celebrate everyday life, especially in Gloucester. Peter has given us a small but powerful sample of his many poems. These are ones he is especially proud of, as they commemorate fishermen, veterans, sunrises, etc. and warn against evils such as drunk driving — ironic as Peter’s nephew was hit by an intoxicated driver on Friday and now has a severe brain injury.

To commemorate Peter, his life and his work, we are hosting a poetry, pizza and movie event with and for Peter at Cape Ann Cinema from 7:30pm, this Thursday, November 6. We will have pizza donated by local restaurants and have a platter of vegan appetizers too. Admission is free, although donations are welcomed and encouraged. All donations will go to Peter and his family to help them with their huge expenses. At the event, Rufus and others will read some of Peter’s poems, he will read some, attendees can read their own poems, if they want to, and we’ll reminisce with Peter about his life in Gloucester. Around 8:00 or 8:15 Rob Newton, head of Cape Ann Cinema, will show a movie “The Source” about the Beat Poets [which the licensor has donated because our event is a fund-raiser].

We hope you can join us and other Gloucester supporters for this event honoring Peter Todd. Please forward this email to other people you think could be interested; despite the short notice, we hope to pack the theater. Thanks very much.

Best,

Lucinda Seigel with Kirstin Martin and Rufus Collinson