Contrary to popular belief, poets are not an endangered species. This is, after all, National Poetry Month – an entire month dedicate to connoisseurs of verse. In fact, poets are so special that one poet is appointed annually by the Librarian of Congress as our nation’s Poet Laureate. But the Poet Laureate isn’t just anybody. Current and past Laureates, as well as poetry critics, are consulted for their thoughts about who they believe deserves the honor.
The Laureate serves from October to May as…
… the nation’s official lightning rod for the poetic impulse of Americans. During his or her term, the Poet Laureate seeks to raise the national consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry.
All the details about the position can be found on the Library of Congress website. But what’s most interesting is discovering what each individual Laureate has brought to the position and what they have emphasized during their term. An excerpt from the Library’s site:
- Joseph Brodsky initiated the idea of providing poetry in airports, supermarkets and hotel rooms.
- Maxine Kumin started a popular series of poetry workshops for women at the Library of Congress.
- Gwendolyn Brooks met with elementary school students to encourage them to write poetry.
- Rita Dove brought together writers to explore the African diaspora through the eyes of its artists. She also championed children’s poetry and jazz with poetry events.
- Robert Hass organized the “Watershed” conference that brought together noted novelists, poets and storytellers to talk about writing, nature and community.
Elizabeth Bishop, William Carlos Williams, Robert Frost, Stanley Kunitz, Gwendolyn Brooks, Rita Dove, and Charles Simic have all served in the distinguished role of “Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry.” See all the past Laureates here.
The role has a very specific list of duties so that the poet’s time won’t be too impinged upon (they have to find time to be creative and write, of course!). Plus, they get a cool $35,000 stipend for the gig. Not too shabby.
Check out the current Poet Laureate Kay Ryan.
Knowing who holds the position of Poet Laureate may seem like a piece of trivia that’s only good for that $2,000 question on Jeopardy!, but I think this honor is worth much more than that. If you really want some Jeopardy! trivia, I suggest taking a few moments to find out who served an unprecedented three terms as Poet Laureate… report back here in the comments if you can discover who it is!
Novel Novice 
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