Known for compact writing and for leading a quiet life, Kay Ryan has taken on a very public role as the nation's poet laureate. For more than 30 years, she has taught remedial English in Marin County, Calif. Her poems…

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Poet Cynthia Zarin reads some of her poems.

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Cynthia Zarin is the author of three books of poetry -- "The Swordfish Tooth" (1989); "Fire Lyric" (1993); and "The Watercourse" (2002, Los Angeles Times Book Prize) -- and five books for children.

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Poet and journalist Cynthia Zarin often writes poems inspired by news articles. In 1989, she came across a story about a handwritten transcript found in a shoebox. It recorded a case in which then-lawyer Abraham Lincoln successfully defended a man…

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The image of poetry fans gathered in a pub enjoying bagpipes, haggis, drinks and verse is a very Scottish one, but Scotland's national poet Robert Burns has fans worldwide who know there's no better way to honor the man and…

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Poet Elizabeth Alexander reads some of her poems.

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Only a few poets have participated in the swearing-in ceremony for our nation's highest office, and on Jan. 20, 2008, Elizabeth Alexander will become just the fourth to hold that honor when she recites an original poem at President-elect Barack…

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Poet W.S. Merwin reads some of his poems.

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W.S. Merwin is counted as one of the nation's greatest living poets. He is the author of more than 50 books of his own poetry, translations of others, memoirs and more. Merwin's major prizes include the Pulitzer in 1970 for…

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W.S. Merwin is one of the nation's greatest living poets and is the author of more than 50 books. In a house he built on the island of Maui, he cultivates his other life long passion: gardening.

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