New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer

Press Releases | Speeches | Executive Orders | Proclamations

STATE OF NEW YORK 

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 

Walt Whitman Citation of Merit for Poets

Presented to:

Jean Valentine

Whereas, the Empire State is pleased to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves through their lasting contributions to literature, art, culture, and society as a whole; and

Whereas, Jean Valentine is just such an individual - a gifted and original poet whose voice is powerful and evocative; her use of free verse, skilled and sure, is reminiscent of the fresh, innovative and non-traditional expression of the great American poet Walt Whitman; and

Whereas, even while her language is minimalist and jagged, there is a stark beauty in the writings of Jean Valentine; with courage and a depth of understanding, she investigates bold truths and bald-faced lies in our daily existence, and translates for us the spiritual and the mysterious, the unconscious and the invisible; and

Whereas, as an extraordinary teacher of poetry, Jean Valentine is an inspiration to new poets, to a new generation looking for its voice, learning a difficult craft; her striking and imaginative imagery is a delight to the reader of poetry, as well, and has been, for the many decades her award-winning work has been published and praised; and

Whereas, with a vast artistic range, Jean Valentine conveys a sense and a meaning we instinctively know, in just a few short lines, little more than a skeleton, but one that is living, breathing art, and we join to celebrate a poet whose achievements make her deserving of recognition and our gratitude;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby confer this Citation upon Jean Valentine for her distinguished literary accomplishments and contributions, and am pleased to designate her State Poet of New York for the years 2008 - 2010.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor
March 3, 2008