The Essay

Series examining laureateship around the world. Poet Charles Simic, a former American laureate, reveals how he wanted to turn down the offer of the job. He reveals how he wanted to turn the post down but was talked into it by his children, and how he refused offers to perform for the 'official Washington' and at the White House. Though initially sceptical about the role, he concludes that 'there's nothing more interesting or hopeful about America than its poetry'.