A poet laureate (plural: poets laureate or poet laureates) is a poet who has been officially appointed by a government or granting institution to write poetry for exceptional events and occasions. The position does not involve any administrative duties and usually exists for between three months and five years. Currently, the positions exist in over 70 countries around the world.
The first poet laureate was appointed in 1206 England when King John granted the post to his friend and adviser Henry de Langton. The post came with a salary of £20 per year plus other benefits. It remained vacant until 1264 when it was again made empty by the king. A third person was appointed in 1668 but neither of them survived the year. The post was not filled again until 1765 when George Byron was appointed. He held the position for only nine months before being replaced by Samuel Johnson who had just become the first writer-to-be-appointed-poet-laureate-by-acclamation. Johnson held the position for four years before being replaced by William Wordsworth. The position remains vacant since then.
In modern times, many countries have created their own poet laureates. These individuals are generally selected by some body such as national organization of writers or state arts agency. They receive no monetary compensation but do receive certain accommodations such as travel expenses while serving in their position.
A young person who exhibits proficiency in the arts, notably poetry and/or spoken word, is a strong leader, is devoted to social justice, and is involved in civic debate and activism is named National Youth Poet Laureate in the United States. The first laureat was awarded in 2009.
He or she leads activities designed to increase public awareness of the art form of poetry and its connection to society today, including but not limited to writing workshops for children, teens and adults; performances; and presentations about poets' lives and works. The laureat also serves as ambassador for poetry by making personal appearances and giving speeches about the importance of poetry in one's life.
Do you want to know more about youth poets laureate? Then keep reading!
Youth poets laureate are selected by their national organizations through an application process that includes written assignments and interviews. They can be no older than 30 years old and cannot have been previously appointed youth poet laureate. They serve for one year and can be re-appointed once.
The duties of a youth poet laureate include organizing events, promoting literacy by leading writing workshops, and addressing violence through speechmaking. They also need to write some poems themselves - and share them with others via social media!
The Librarian of Congress selects a poet for the position of Poet Laureate, certifies that the poet is willing and competent to serve, and then appoints the poet to the office. The selection process includes a national search for the person who will become the nation's foremost interpreter of poetry.
A poet laureate has many duties including but not limited to writing poems on demand, giving speeches when requested, and organizing community events related to poetry. The poet laureate is usually selected by the president or someone else with veto power over the appointment. They may also be removed from office by direct action of the same body. The length of service as poet laureat varies but generally is between three-and-a-half and seven years.
Poet Laureates have included Zora Neale Hurston, Robert Frost, Charles Wright Mills, James Merrill, Derek Walcott, Wole Soyinka, Louise Bennett Lewis, Carl Phillips, Elizabeth Alexander, and Natasha Trethewey.
While there are no specific requirements for being Poet Laureate, keep in mind that Poets Laureate typically have numerous critically acclaimed books of poetry to their name and are well renowned in the literary world for their work. 30 years experience as a writer/editor is also recommended, but not required.
There has never been a woman or person of color in this position. It is therefore necessary to nominate a poet who can add diversity to the role.
Nominations for the post must be made by January 31st next year. The new poet will then have one year to write a poem for each state within the United States. After this period has passed, the president will then make a new appointment for another one-year term.
The main responsibility of the poet laureate is to promote awareness of the art and science of poetry and to encourage its appreciation. They usually give several readings and speeches throughout the year to do so. There is also a large audience outside of England who knows John Donne from his many poems which have been set to music. Many people think of William Wordsworth when asked about English poets but he had many friends who were more contemporary artists like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey.
As of 2017, 46 states and the District of Columbia have poet laureates, with a few vacancies. The duration of the terms varies per state. Most states designate a poet laureate for a one- or two-year term, with some appointing a poet for a lifelong tenure. Some states may also appoint directors of poetry to a similar position.
The first poet laureate was appointed in Maryland in 1661. Since then, all but seven states have had at least one poet laureate.
The duties of a poet laureate vary from state to state but often include promoting awareness of the art and craft of poetry, serving as a spokesperson for the state poetry community, and working with schools and other organizations to develop programs that encourage creativity, literacy, and support young poets. Many state poet laureates also receive a salary during their term.
The most recent appointment to a poet laureat position is Doug Wright in South Carolina. He will serve an initial term beginning on January 7, 2018.
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