By Aeon Bailey
Poet Jack Smith has served as Dorchester County鈥檚 first-ever poet laureate since 2001.
He said he has been writing poetry for most of his life, and much of his work is historical, patriotic and nostalgic. Smith has published three poetry books and one novel, 鈥淏allads of the Bellum.鈥 Originally from Indiana, he lived in California before moving to Dorchester County, where he has been a resident for nearly 46 years. He said Dorchester County is home.
鈥淧oetry is an expression that you can鈥檛 get by conversation,鈥 Smith said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 an old rule to me that I was taught years ago, that poetry is about saying the most with the least. Every word in a poem counts. You don鈥檛 have any wasted words.鈥
Smith said he is honored to be the county鈥檚 first poet laureate.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 quite a privilege,鈥 Smith said. 鈥淎 friend of mine at church joked and said, 鈥榊ou know what the poet laureate is, don鈥檛 you?鈥 I said, 鈥榃hat?鈥 He said, 鈥榃ell, that鈥檚 the guy who writes the poems for free.鈥 How do you put a price tag on having your work bronzed and put in a park? How do you even put a price tag on just having the title of being the first one in 104 years?鈥
Smith鈥檚 poems are featured in several locations around the county, including in a 100-year time capsule set to be opened in 2097. Smith, who served in the Navy and the fire department and operated a small business, attributes his success in poetry to God and his late wife.
One poem by Smith expresses gratitude for those who serve in the military.
A Cannon鈥檚 Pride
In 1781, when I was shiny and new,
I stood atop this hill against the redcoats marching through.
I was the first gun to fire when the redcoats came in sight.
I demanded retribution, and I challenged them to fight.
And firing from the ramparts into a sea of red,
I gave glory to the honor of every patriot dead.