Official Missouri Poet Laureate
A POET WE SHALL APPOINT
We have mighty rivers that run and Ozark hills that roll;
Big cities that shine and country towns with soul.
We’ve had writers a plenty: Twain, Hemingway, Eliot, and Langston Hughes;
But never a state poet, whose name we did use;
To further the arts, and meld present with past;
Thus, we think it’s time, to name one at last.
A poet laureate for all Missouri;
Readers don’t fret, we will not hurry.
Send your nominations by December first;
And we’ll name a poet – local, renowned, and wholly well-versed.
Details and Background:
Gov. Matt Blunt recently announced he plans to name the state's first official Missouri Poet Laureate. The Missouri Poet Laureate will be responsible to help promote the arts in Missouri by making appearances at public libraries and schools across the state. The poet will also be called upon to compose an original poem in honor of Missouri and to perform the poem at an event commemorating the new position
Nominees:
Gov. Blunt will accept nominations through December 1, 2007. Nominees must be a current resident of the state. The governor encourages Missourians to think of poetry in its broadest sense when considering potential candidates for this new position.
The governor will work with the Missouri Center for the Book to select the Missouri Poet Laureate. He plans to announce the honoree in mid-December.
Missourians interested in becoming Missouri’s first Official Poet Laureate or nominating someone to serve in the role should send writing samples, background information and current contact information to Missouri Poet Laureate by December 1.