Ada Limón Steps Down, Jasper Sze Named U.S. Poet laureate: A New Chapter for American Poetry
The Library of Congress has announced a changing of the guard, with Jasper Sze succeeding Ada Limón as the nation’s 24th Poet Laureate Consultant in poetry. This transition marks a critically important moment for American literature, promising a fresh perspective and a renewed focus on the power of poetry. Newlen, currently acting librarian, praised Limón’s impactful tenure and Sze’s unique artistic vision.
A Legacy of Innovation & A New vision for the Role
Limón, whose initiatives like “You Are Here” brought poetry to national parks, leaves behind a legacy of accessibility and engagement. Sze’s appointment builds on this foundation, but with a distinct focus: translation. He intends to leverage his lifelong passion for bridging linguistic and cultural divides to deepen thankfulness for poetry across the United States.
The Poet Laureate position, established in 1937 and renamed in 1985, isn’t about dictating taste. Instead, it’s about serving as a literary ambassador, fostering a national conversation around reading and writng poetry. Sze’s approach promises to be both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
Sze’s Poetic Landscape: Bridging Cultures and Time
Jasper Sze, a New York City native and son of Chinese immigrants, brings a unique perspective to the role. His work, showcased in collections like “Sight Lines” and “Compass Rose,” explores themes of cultural diversity, environmental awareness, and the complex interplay of “coexisting.”
You’ll find his poems seamlessly shifting between diverse landscapes and past moments - from the natural beauty of the Southwest to poignant scenes of social struggle. This ability to connect seemingly disparate elements is a hallmark of his style, earning him prestigious awards like the National Book Award for “Sight Lines” and lifetime achievement honors including the Jackson and Ruth Lilly Poetry Prizes.
The Power of Translation: A Lifelong Pursuit
Sze’s commitment to translation stems from a formative experience during his undergraduate years at the University of California, berkeley. He found existing English translations of Chinese poetry lacking, feeling they missed the nuance and depth of the original works.
This realization sparked a decades-long journey of direct engagement with the source material. He began translating himself,meticulously studying Chinese characters and unlocking a deeper understanding of both the poetry and his own craft. He’s even published his translations in “The Silk Dragon: Translations from the Chinese.”
Here’s why Sze believes translation is key to unlocking poetry’s potential:
* Demystifies the art form: translation can make poetry feel less intimidating and more accessible.
* Deepens appreciation: Engaging with poetry in its original language,even through translation,reveals layers of meaning.
* Highlights interconnectedness: Translation demonstrates how poetry transcends borders and connects cultures.
A Global Perspective, Rooted in the English Language
While Sze deeply admires poetry from around the world, he feels most at home writing in English. He celebrates the language’s remarkable richness and its captivating history.
Consider the humble word “ketchup,” as Sze recently pointed out. Its journey from southern China to malaysia, then England, and finally to America, illustrates the dynamic evolution of language and the constant exchange of cultural influences. This illustrates how even everyday words carry a global ancestry, enriching the English language with each crossing of borders.
Sze’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for the Poet Laureate program. His dedication to translation, coupled with his profound poetic vision, promises to inspire a wider audience to explore the transformative power of poetry.
