Washington will soon have a poet laureate

We finally join the ranks of the civilized, as Governor Gregoire has made it official.

Gov. Christine Gregoire this week marked National Poetry Month by signing legislation that creates the new post of poet laureate....

The governor and state Arts Commission will appoint the honoree after getting recommendations from a special screening committee. The laureate must be a state resident and would hold a two-year appointment.

It's not a get-rich position, since the state budget provides only $30,000 in startup costs for the first two years, including a stipend and expense money for the poet-in-chief. Other states typically give an honorarium of between $2,000 and $5,000 a year. Future financing will come from private grants, donations and endowments, rather than the state budget....

The legislation, which passed after 12 years of efforts by sponsors, takes effect in 90 days. The choice for poet laureate could be announced this fall.

I humbly nominate myself.