There once was a man named Bly…

Bob CollinsBob Collins Feb 27, 2008
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Robert Bly, the only Talking Volumes guest to refuse to wear shoes, has just been named the poet laureate of the state by Gov. Pawlenty.

The requirements for the position, which is supposed to promote poetry in the state are:

  • Admirable and proven level of ability in writing poetry.
  • History of having published individual poems and/or books of poetry.
  • Demonstrated excellence in promoting awareness and enjoyment of poetry in Minnesota.
  • Age 21 or older and a resident of Minnesota for at least one year prior to being nominated.

    So, what does Minnesota have against young poets?

    And how many fit the requirements?

    A search of Minnesota poets on Google yielded a Web site, Minnesota Poets. And there’s only one listed; it’s not Robert Bly. John Calvin Rezmerski, it says, has been named “Poet Laureate of the League of Minnesota Poets.”

    Robert Bly is a Minnesota treasure,” Gov. Pawlenty said today. “His many works, impressive 40 year career, and national renown will help promote poetry in Minnesota.”

    It’s a flip-flop of monumental proportions, of course. In 2005, he killed this when he said, “Even though we have a state ‘folklorist,’ I also have concern this will lead to calls for other similar positions. We could also see requests for a state mime, interpretive dancer or potter.”

    Not long after that, he signed a bill designating the honeycrisp as the official state apple.

    Good luck getting something to rhyme with honeycrisp, Mr. Bly.