Sam Cornish, Boston's first Poet Laureate, was one of the outstanding poets of the Northeast and especially of Boston.  He taught at colleges and community institutions poetry and creative writing to many who later published poems, stories, and books of the highest literary value.  During his tenure as Poet Laureate, he worked with various groups in the community, such as carpenters, riders of the bus #57, and others individuals.   One of the most outstanding tribute to Sam's poetic genius, was the theatrical production of "An Apron Full of Beans" performed by the Roxbury Repertoire Theatre under the direction of Marshall Hughes that drew breathless admiration. 

           Sam directed the Urban Arts Literature Project for the MBTA Orange Line,  which placed poetry and prose, in granite, at the nine new stations.  These literary pieces remain one of Boston's best treasures celebrating the various community cultures.  Sam remained my writing teacher and advisor/friend - even expressing his opinions on my writings when I visited him in rehab.

             
             
    
             
             In honor of Sam's contribution to the Boston's literary life, the City of Boston issued a Proclamation declaring March 27 as Sam Cornish Day.:

 

About Sam Cornish's previous work:
Sam Cornish and Folks Like Me  is to poetry what Ray Charles and the song "Georgia" is to music.  Both men were constructed for their art forms.
                                                                                                                       __Maya Angelou


 See Ellen Steinbaum's story on the Urban Arts Literature Project.  I had the pleasure of describing it to a Northeastern student, last night, who daily walks the path up to Forest Hills Station.   https://www.ellensteinbaum.com/city_type/06_10_08.html