Great Regulars: The appointment last week

of 82-year-old William Stanley Merwin as the U.S. poet laureate both honors his 58-year contribution to American arts and letters and returns the largely ceremonial post to the realm of the traditional white male poet at a time when the field is growing more diverse, like the nation.

from Bob Hoover: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Commentary: New U.S. poet laureate a traditional choice

~~~~~~~~~~~

"I have a very serene, quiet life here [in Hawaii]," said the 82-year-old writer [W.S. Merwin]. "We can't see any houses from where we live. But, I'm not a recluse. I do love seeing people. I just don't want to do it all the time."

He said he plans two trips to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.--in October to launch his one-year term and in the spring. He will also hold readings in Dallas and Chicago.

"There are two sides to me," Mr. Merwin said, "the public and the private, with the private being more important to me. I find I need a lot of time alone."

from Bob Hoover: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: W.S. Merwin has Pittsburgh connections

~~~~~~~~~~~