N.H. poet Simic named Poet Laureate

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Poet Charles Simic was named the U.S. Library of Congress' 15th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry, Librarian of Congress James Billington announced Thursday.

Simic, of Strafford, N.H., assumes his duties this fall, opening the library's annual literary series on Oct. 17 with a reading of his work, Billington said in a news release. He also will speak at the Library of Congress National Book Festival Sept. 29.

Simic succeeds Donald Hall.

"The range of Charles Simic's imagination is evident in his stunning and unusual imagery," Billington said. "He handles language with the skill of a master craftsman, yet his poems are easily accessible, often meditative and surprising."

Simic, born in Yugoslavia, has written 18 books of poetry and won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1990 for his book of prose poems, "The World Doesn't End."

"I am especially touched and honored to be selected because I am an immigrant boy who didn't speak English until I was 15," Simic said.

The laureate generally serves one or two years. According to the library, specific duties are kept to a minimum to allow the poet laureate to work individual projects while at the library.