Great Regulars: Although it is still an affirmation of

an important kind for poets in general, I consider it strange that none of these presidents called upon the U.S. poet laureate to pen their praises.

This may be because of the continuing disconnect between government and the arts, especially poetry, in this country. Whereas in many other countries, not only are poets given an equal place with presidents and prime ministers, they actually become presidents or senators themselves (e.g., Vaclev Havel in Czechoslovakia and Pablo Neruda in Chile).

from Anthony Maulucci: Norwich Bulletin: Poets face difficult task when writing for new president

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