St. Louis Public Radio News
(2010-01-08)
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COLUMBIA, MO
(KBIA) -
Missouri's first poet laureate will have to step aside soon to let another writer take his place. Walter Bargen's two year term as the state's top poetry official ends this month. KBIA's Maureen McCollum has more on Missouri's first poet laureate and how to become the second one.
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Walter Bargen has a hard time saying no to people. As Missouri's first poet laureate, he attended over 100 events during his term. The appointment only required him to appear at 12 events during those two years. Bargen went above and beyond his duty to give readings and presentations at libraries, book clubs, and literary festivals throughout Missouri. As poet laureate, the Ashland resident promotes the art form in the state and encourages reading in general.
"It was not infrequent that I would hear something like, My wife dragged me to this poetry reading and I'm absolutely astounded by how much I enjoyed it,' which is probably the highest praise that I can receive, is that someone who was not interested in poetry would suddenly discover that they really enjoyed it."
Another requirement as poet laureate is composing a poem honoring Missouri. Bargen says he wrote "Moonwalk Missouri" within a couple weeks of his appointment. His term ends this month, and Missouri poets interested in the unpaid position must apply by Wednesday. The second poet laureate must be published and active in the poetry community. He or she will be selected by a committee that includes members of the Missouri Center for the Book and First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon. Bargen says he's happy another person can come in with more ideas and new energy to spread the love of poetry throughout Missouri. He says he doesn't have much advice for the next poet laureate.
"Have a good reliable car. Be sensitive to the audience and responsive to the audience. And learn to say no."
Bargen appreciates his coworkers at the University of Missouri's Assessment Resource Center for letting him take on this other full time job. As far as life post-poet laureate, Bargen says he's looking forward to having more time to write poetry.
Missouri's Second Poet Laureate Application: http://governor.mo.gov/pdf/poet_laureate_2010.pdf
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