Six poets from their early teens to an octogenarian will read/perform their work. The question their poetry will address is “Poetry in Hard Times,” the theme of the 2009 Massachusetts Poetry Festival. We all interpret “hard times” differently and age and life experience play a major role. For poet Bob Silberberg at 88 he has been through the Big Depression and fought in or lived through six wars, and find himself opposing two more now. He long ago became A Veteran for Peace, and many of his poems reflect this position. Teenage poets may have different ideas of hard times, and write passionately about personal lack or losses they endure.  A diversity of age and many perspectives on the issue define this “Poetry In Hard Times” from Cape Cod poets.