Poet Laureate

Donald Hall is the United States' new Poet Laureate, selected by the Library of Congress. Just what does this mean? According to the NY Times, it means about $35,000 and a $5,000 travel allowance for what is usually a year's appointment. And what will he do?

The library deliberately avoids attaching specific duties to the post so that the poet can do his or her own writing. But in recent years holders of the title have used the platform to enlarge the presence of poetry in the culture. Mr. Hall said that he would like to follow in the tradition of Mr. Kooser and other laureates who have tried to expand poetry's reach.

Good luck. It seems to me that the only people who pay attention are those of us already interested in poetry and other literary endeavors. Perhaps the L.O.C. could specify that the Poet Laureate become a more public figure, enlisting contemporary media cooperation. How about a poem instead of a prayer at the start of public functions? Do we need a Poet Laureate, anyway?

[poetry]

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