BY GWEN HAYES

Sentinel Editor

In its afternoon session Wednesday, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners voted 7-0 to name James Tokley as the Poet Laureate for Hillsborough County. He’s also the Poet Laureate for the City of Tampa, serving since January 1996.

Commissioner Al Higginbotham, District 4, placed a request on the Commission’s February 20th agenda to name Tokley as the Poet Laureate of Hillsborough County. It’s another first for Tokley.

Although no workshops, special assignments or speaking engagements have been set up for this non-paid conferment, Tokley will be prepared when called upon to present.

“When you speak of being Poet Laureate for the County, that’s like speaking for the universe; there’s a rainbow of possibilities,” Tokley said referencing the surrounding areas he will serve: Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, Wimauma, Ruskin, Apollo Beach, etc.

Tokely looks “forward to the opportunity being great fun. I’m not only proud for myself, but for all the people I represent, all the poets of all complexions in the city and the county.

“I want them to be willing to read and speak publicly – let people hear and feel their verse, refine their metaphor. I may be the first poet laureate, but I won’t be the last.”

Tokley, a professor at Everest University, paid special tribute to Commissioner Higginbotham and Commissioner Les Miller, along with the other commissioners and County Administrator, Mike Merrill for honoring him.

As a way of saying ‘thank you,’ Tokley presented these words:

There is a time for noble words

When a poet’s rhyme and verse is heard

Above a multitude who seek such

To know wherefore the poet speaks

And to see if he is qualified

Inclined to sing his poetry countywide

But the present tense who knows such things

Has closed its mouth and taken wings

And only the future shall explain

The power of the pen he shall retain

So until such time fate breaks its rank

To God and the County I give thanks.