Arthur Sze, a celebrated poet and translator, has been named the US poet laureate for 2025, succeeding Ada Limón. The appointment comes during a turbulent time for the Library of Congress, following the controversial dismissal of its librarian by former President Donald Trump.
What Happened
On Monday, the Library of Congress officially announced the appointment of Arthur Sze as the new US poet laureate. The 74-year-old poet, known for his profound work in poetry and translation, will begin his one-year term this fall. This prestigious role, aimed at promoting poetry and raising national awareness for the literary form, comes at a time when the Library of Congress is undergoing significant upheaval.
Sze takes on the position after Ada Limón’s three-year tenure, and his appointment follows the contentious firing of Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden by Donald Trump in May. The move caused a political stir, with accusations from conservative circles about Hayden’s supposed “woke” agenda. The White House has named Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as the acting librarian, though operations continue under Robert Randolph Newlen, a long-time official at the Library of Congress.
Who Was Arthur Sze?
Arthur Sze is an acclaimed poet and translator with a long career that has spanned decades. Known for his “distinctly American” landscapes and exploration of the intersection of ancient Chinese poetry and contemporary verse, Sze has made significant contributions to American poetry. A New York City native and the son of Chinese immigrants, he has been recognized not only for his own poetry but also for his translations of Chinese works. His most notable translation project is The Silk Dragon: Translations from the Chinese.
A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Sze has always been passionate about translation. He credits much of his understanding of poetry to his translation work, where he says he found himself connecting more deeply to the text. This passion for translation is central to his new role as poet laureate.
Career and Legacy
Sze’s career includes the publication of 12 poetry collections, and his work is recognized for its quiet yet profound ability to weave across cultures and poetic traditions. He has received multiple awards and honors, including a lifetime achievement award from the Library of Congress in 2024. Sze’s poetry is known for its formal innovation and deep engagement with themes like landscape, spirituality, and human connection.
As poet laureate, Sze has expressed his desire to emphasize the role of translation in understanding and appreciating poetry. By encouraging others to approach poetry through translation, he hopes to break down barriers to understanding and make poetry more accessible to everyone.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The news of Sze’s appointment has been met with praise from literary communities and fellow poets. Many have celebrated his deep commitment to poetry and his unique ability to bridge cultural divides. Social media platforms have been filled with tributes to his work and excitement over the direction he may take as poet laureate. His focus on translation is particularly welcomed by those who believe poetry has the potential to connect diverse cultures and ideas.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
Rob Casper, who heads the Library of Congress’s poetry and literature center, expressed his enthusiasm for Sze’s appointment. Casper highlighted Sze’s innovation and his distinct approach to poetry, stating that he would bring “depth, insight, and creativity” to the role of poet laureate.
Sze himself noted that his work in translation, which began when he was an undergraduate at Berkeley, has been a lifelong passion. As poet laureate, he intends to share this passion with the broader public, making poetry more relatable and less intimidating through translation.
Sze will begin his tenure during a period of significant political and institutional changes at the Library of Congress, following the controversial dismissal of the library’s former head. However, Sze remains focused on promoting poetry through public outreach and education, building on previous initiatives like the Favorite Poem Project and You Are Here.
Closing Line
As Sze takes on this significant role, his appointment reflects not only his literary accomplishments but also his dedication to bringing poetry to the people, particularly through translation. This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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