Sherry Chandler

POV on Kentucky Poet Laureate

Charlie Hughes of Wind Publications is always way out ahead of me. For example, I pointed you all through to Verlyn Klinkenborg’s NYTimes reflection on Donald Hall and his appointment as U.S. Poet Laureate. In this article, Klinkenborg said: “It’s assumed that the laureate will try to advance the cause of poetry — especially the public awareness of poetry — in a manner somehow separate from the writing of poems.” Charlie, posting on his Kentucky Literary Calendar and Newsletter, has brought the thought closer to home. Here is his POV on the Kentucky Poet Laureate:

[Klinkenborg's statement] brought to my mind the position of Kentucky poet laureate, due for an appointment in 2007. Here’s a quote from a 2004 Kentucky Arts Council press release: Every two years the Kentucky Arts Council coordinates the nomination and selection process for Kentucky’s Poet Laureate. The position was officially created by the General Assembly in 1991 [KRS 153.600] to honor an outstanding Kentucky writer as a champion for the literary arts. The word poet in the position’s title is interpreted in its broadest sense to include persons whose accomplishments are in any of the recognized literary forms, including poetry, fiction, biographical work, creative non-fiction, and playwriting. . . . Kentucky Poets Laureate promote the literary arts in Kentucky through readings and/or public presentations at meetings, seminars, conferences, and other programs across the state, including Kentucky Writers’ Day. The thought that occurred to me is that the art of poetry or writing can best be served or “championed” by a writer doing what s/he does best — writing. If the Kentucky Arts Council (a worthy organization which inexplicably operates under the auspices of the KY Commerce Cabinet) desires to “promote” poetry as described above, perhaps employment of a public relations firm or an advertising agency would be more appropriate, allowing the appointment of poet laureate to do what was intended — honor the recipient and recognize the recipient’s contribution to the literary arts.

Possibly related posts:

Jane Gentry Vance, Kentucky Poet Laureate

Kentucky Poet Laureate

A reminder

Donald Hall Named Poet Laureate

From the Kentucky Arts Council

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