Ohio May Get Its First Poet Laureate

Posted on June 9, 2014

Ohio may soon get its first official poet laureate. The Senate has approved Bill 84, which will create the position of Ohio Poet Laureate. The bill says the Ohio poet laureate will serve a four year term.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Bill is sponsored by Ohio Senator Eric Kearney. Kearney tells the Plain Dealer, "Ohio has been home to many poets such as Langston Hughes, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, James Wright and Nikki Giovanni who grew up in my district. In creating the post of Ohio poet laureate, we will show Ohioans the esteem we hold for civil and meaningful discourse. We will also show our appreciation for deeper thinking and set a good example for our students."

Kearney also read the following haiku during the first hearing for the bill:

"Ohio poet
Spark! For creativity
Four years, no money."

The Ohio Senate unanimously approved the bill, so hopefully it will also pass in the House.