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The American Poet Laureate

© Linda Sue Grimes

The goal of the American Poet Laureate is to inspire greater awareness in the area of the literary arts. The full title of the laureate position is "The Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress." The Librarian of Congress, in consultation with literary critics, former poets laureate, and others distinguished in poetry, appoints the Poet Laureate, who may serve from one to three years.

Archer M. Huntington endowed the position with a stipend of $35,000 annually. The poet occupying the position is given much freedom in his or her activities with only one main requirement: that the poet give an annual lecture and reading of his or her work. The laureate announces the list of poetry readers who will appear at the Washington D.C. area poetry series, which was begun in 1940.

The laureate has much freedom in developing his own style and emphasizing his own ideals in the area of poetry. Some examples of diverse programs of former laureates include Maxine Kumin's (1981-1982) workshops for women held at the Library of Congress; Joseph Brodsky's (1991-1992) bringing poetry to airports, markets, and hotels; Gwendolyn Brooks' (1985-1986) bringing poetry to elementary schools; Rita Dove's (1993-95) exploration of the African diaspora. Dove served two terms and in addition to exploring the African diaspora, she also encouraged children to appreciate poetry through jazz, by holding numberous events that combined music and poetry.

Robert Hass, who also served two terms from 1995 to 1997, brought together novelists, poets, and storytellers for discussion groups about writing, nature, and communities. Last year's laureate Billy Collins (2001-2003) developed a list of 180 poems-one for each day of the school year-that would help students become more appreciative of the art. Louise Glück, the current poet laureate appointed in 2003, has been instrumental in emphasizing the private nature of the creation of poetry.

The position of poet laureate is probably the quietest position associated with the government. It is not likely that you could find anyone on the street who has ever heard of the poets on the list of former laureates, except for maybe Robert Frost. And of those who have heard of Frost, I doubt that they are aware that he ever held the postion of poet laureate, because it is doubtful that most people know that such a position exists. But such is the nature of poetry. It is a quiet art-despite the attempt of the "slammers" who would bring up the decibels. And despite those who try to politicize poetry to bring various causes to the forefront. Poetry's purpose is to engage the soul with truth on the most inner level-not to propagandize a political stance. That is why poetry is and will remain "marginal" and poets will remain "unrecognized." That is good, the way it should be.

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