POEGLES » elizabeth alexander

“Odes to Obama: A poem or 2 for the new president”

admin — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:59:23 +0000

The Associated Press, gearing up for the inauguration and Elizabeth Alexander’s performance as Poet-in-Chief, solicited a few other major American poets to write a lick or two for the incoming president. More here.

“Charles Simic, another former poet laureate, said ‘it’s impossible to say yes or no. … I can’t write to order. … When do you need it by?’”

“His good intentions didn’t bear fruit.”

Oh, Charlie.

More Inaugural Poetry News

admin — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 17:17:49 +0000

From the New York Times- More news on Elizabeth Alexander, the nation’s next inaugural poet.

“After eight years of mangled and manipulated language, and the palpable effects of that in the real world, it seems like any gesture toward clarity of expression and dignity of life is welcome,” Christian Wiman, the editor of Poetry magazine, said in an e-mail message.

Obama taps inaugural poet

admin — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:26:56 +0000

Via PoetryHut: Barack Obama has tapped poet Elizabeth Alexander, 46, a prize-winning poet and professor of African American studies at Yale University, to do the inaugural reading on January 20th, reports the Washington Post.

Other celebs at the event: Yo Yo Ma, Rick Warren (yes, the purpose driven life guy), Aretha Franklin (the Queen of Soul), and others, per the New York Times.