Just What Is The Point Of A Poet Laureate?

“The poet laureate is charged with bringing poetry to the forefront of the American consciousness, as well as playing consultant to the Library of Congress — which includes giving a reading at the beginning of the term and a lecture or reading at end of term, organizing monthly readings and overseeing the Library’s poetry fellowships and prizes. And, of course, he or she should continue to write poems. Sounds simple enough. Still, many laureates have found the demands of the position overwhelming.”