Missouri’s poet laureate, Walter Bargen, is visiting middle school and high school students in Andrew and Buchanan counties.

Local middle school and high school students are getting a taste for words from Missouri’s poet laureate, who’s spending a couple of days in Andrew and Buchanan counties.

“We need poetry to keep us awake and fresh, when so much today works to dull our imaginations,” said Walter Bargen. Gov. Matt Blunt appointed Mr. Bargen to a two-year position as Missouri’s poet laureate in January.

Teachers seek opportunities to provide stimulating situations to students, said Mary Ann Haenni, director of vocal music at Savannah High School.

Mr. Bargen was contacted by Ms. Haenni, Kevin Griffin, the St. Joseph School District’s coordinator of fine arts, and Dr. David Benz, assistant professor of music at Missouri Western State University, to see if he could come to the area this fall. After the three got approval, four of the poet’s books were sent to each middle and high school.

Monday, the poet had a chance to meet in small groups with middle and high school students in Savannah. A poem entitled “Kite,” published as part of “Remedies for Vertigo” in 2006, captured the imagination of a number of students.

“When I wrote it, I’d learned that kites are messages written by inmates, folded to eraser size and then passed between each other,” Mr. Bargen said. “Some of the students seemed to be disappointed when they learned I didn’t have any criminal background.”

Mr. Bargen said what really pleased him was the sophisticated and creative leap made by students interpreting his poems. He encouraged students and adults to read poems every day.

“It’s an exercise for the mind,” Mr. Bargen said.

Tonight, Mr. Bargen will have the opportunity to hear how some of his poems have been transformed into choral music. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church, located on the southeast corner of Frederick Boulevard and Riverside Road. The public is invited, and tickets cost $10.

Marshall White can be reached at marshall@npgco.com.