Inaugural poet to give reading in Portland | News

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A Maine man who served as the inaugural poet at President Barack Obama's ceremonial swearing-in is giving a free poetry reading in Portland.

Richard Blanco will give a reading of his poems Tuesday night at sold-out Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  Blanco gained national attention last month with his inaugural poem, "One Today," which paid homage to the American experience.

Blanco grew up as a Cuban exile in New York City and Miami, and moved to the western small Maine town of Bethel several years ago.

Before the poetry reading, Portland Mayor Michael Brennan will present Blanco with a key to the city at City Hall.