Asking Quote by Rita Dove
“People write me from all over the country, asking me, and sometimes even telling me, what they think a poet laureate should do. I found that immensely valuable.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Poetry Foundation interview, 2015
People value diverse perspectives on the role of a poet laureate, seeing it as a collaborative cultural voice.
In simple terms: People appreciate input on a poet laureate’s duties.
Key Takeaway
Listen to public ideas.
Themes
collaboration
culture
public voice
Mood
thoughtful
engaged
Type
advisory
reflective
When to use this quote
- literary events
- education programs
- community outreach
Key Concepts
poetry
civic engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a poet laureate balance public input with artistic integrity?
- What responsibilities should a poet laureate prioritize?
A Different Perspective
Public opinion may clash with institutional expectations.
![“I can't think of any poet-recluses outside of one dead Jeffers. [Robinson Jeffers] The rest of them want to slobber over each other and hug each other. It appears to me that I am the last of the poet-recluses.” quote by Charles Bukowski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/627/charles-bukowski-73_hug_i-can-t-think-of-any-poet-recluses-outsi_1207134.jpg)
