poet laureate: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Oct. 29, 2026

News •

Lorna Goodison wins 2026 Derek Walcott Prize for Poetry • Oct. 26, 2026, 1:06 AM ET (The Gleaner)

Facts

Notable Honorees	Tracy K. Smith • Louise Glück • Donald Hall

Photos and Videos

First official poet laureate of Britain

Engraved portrait of Ben Jonson by E. Scriven, showing Jonson in elaborate Renaissance attire with a large ruffled collar and embroidered sleeves.

Amanda Gorman stands at a podium, gesturing with her hands while reciting her poem at the U.S. Capitol, wearing a bright yellow coat and red headband.

An image of Joy Harjo, a Native American woman, imposed on a background of a notebook. A blue arrow points to Harjo with the label 'poet laureate.'

Meet U.S. poet laureate Arthur Sze

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Key People

Stanley Kunitz, c. 1987

Stanley Kunitz

American poet

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Ted Kooser

American poet