Denver poets mourn loss of Lenny ‘Professor’ Chernila

The Denver poetry community bid farewell to one of its leaders over the weekend.

Lenny Chernila, the “Professor,” was a highly respected and beloved Denver poet, who was known for his passionate, bold verse and desire to mentor young poets.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Chernila’s son, Josh, wrote:

“I regret to announce the passing of my father, Denver's last true beat poet, Lenny Chernila; apparently of natural causes, a peaceful passing for a great... man.”

Denver-based Paper Cat Films features Chernila in a new documentary, “Lenny C Rocks the Mic.” The film screens May 6 at the Mercury Cafe in Denver. There will be tributes, poetry and live music during the screening.