Oregon’s current poet laureate, Ellen Waterston, is on a mission to make poetry more accessible and less intimidating to the public. Waterston believes that poetry can often be seen as intimidating, with many people feeling disconnected or perplexed by the art form. As a poet herself, she wants to break down these barriers and show people that poetry is meant to be enjoyed and appreciated.
According to Waterston, poetry should not be confined to an elite group of intellectuals or scholars. It should be something that everyone can relate to and find meaning in. Waterston’s approach is to make poetry more understandable and relatable, in order to engage a wider audience and foster a greater appreciation for the craft.
As the poet laureate of Oregon, Waterston has been taking her mission across the state, hosting readings and workshops to engage with a diverse range of people. Through these events, she hopes to demystify poetry and show that it can be a source of inspiration and comfort for anyone.
Waterston’s efforts are timely, as poetry has been experiencing a resurgence in popularity in recent years. With the rise of social media platforms and spoken word events, poetry has become more accessible to a wider audience. Waterston’s work as poet laureate reflects this trend, as she seeks to make poetry a more inclusive and inviting art form for all.
In her role as Oregon’s poet laureate, Ellen Waterston is using her passion for poetry to break down barriers and show people that poetry is not something to be feared, but rather something to be embraced and enjoyed. Through her efforts, she is inspiring a new generation of poetry lovers and helping to shape the future of the art form.
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