The Essay - A Laureate's Life
Series exploring laureateship around the world, coinciding with Andrew Motion's retirement as the UK's Poet Laureate
The Essay - A Laureate's Life - Charles Simic
Poet Charles Simic, a former American laureate, reveals how he once wanted to turn down the offer of the job, but was talked into it by his children.
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The Essay - A Laureate's Life - Gillian Clarke
Gillian Clarke discusses becoming the first poet writing in English to hold the post of laureate of Wales. She describes how she feels the ghosts of Welsh poets behind her.
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The Essay - A Laureate's Life - Jack Hirschman
San Francisco street poet Jack Hirschman reflects on his time as the city's laureate. A well-known activist on the far left, he discusses his place in the city's artistic hierarchy.
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The Essay - A Laureate's Life - Keorapetse Kgositsile
Keorapetse Kgositsile on the role of poet laureate in South Africa, one which he says is often misunderstood. He says the job is not only to praise, but also to mock and criticise.
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The Essay - A Laureate's Life - Michele Leggott
Poet Michele Leggott recalls her first year as New Zealand's laureate and how she coped with losing her eyesight as she travelled the world and explored her new role.
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