Native Washingtonian Dolores Kendrick was appointed poet laureate of the District of Columbia in 1999. She is the author of “The Women of Plums: Poems in the Voices of Slave Women.” Kendrick adapted the book for theatrical performance in Cleveland and at the Kennedy Center. The adaptation won the New York New Playwrights Award in 1997.
Is poet laureate a full-time paid job or is it an honorary position?
If it was an honorary position, you’d never hear of me. Many people around the country are given the honor, but they disappear. They just accept the honor and you never hear from them again.
Why does D.C. need a poet laureate?
Why not? Every state in the union has one, sir.
What does the poet laureate do?
My office is really putting together a profound program for the people of the District of Columbia. This office is the most outstanding poet laureate office in the United States. I just returned from France where I have established a sister-city initiative. I worked with students in Aix en Provence and Paris. We are going to exchange poetry with students in Washington, D.C. It’s a beautiful initiative. It’s very unique to Washington. I’m also working with Metro. We’re going to put students’ poetry on the buses. We have poetry in the workplace. I bring poetry into the offices and businesses.
What’s the purpose of poetry in the workplace?
Can’t you answer that yourself? I don’t go out to make a purpose.
Is the purpose to help workers relax or to open them to new things?
If that happens, fine. I’m just trying to bring poetry to people who work hard every day.
What’s your favorite poem?
I can’t tell you that. I couldn’t answer a question like that. I love poetry. That’s who I am.
