Poets laureate

The word laureate means crowned with laurel. The expression dates back to Ancient Rome, where a successful person was traditionally crowned with a wreath of laurel leaves.

in Britain, the position of poet laureate was created as a royal office in 1668 with the appointment of John Dryden by King Charles II. The position was traditionally held for life, but is now restricted to ten years. When it becomes vacant the prime minister has a list of names drawn up and the monarch chooses a new laureate. The poet laureate's main task is to write odes to celebrate royal birthdays, marriages and important state occasions. Poets laureate receive a salary of £70 per annum - the same as in the 17th century! Some famous poets laureate in the UK include William Wordsworth, Alfred Tennyson, Sir John Betjeman and Ted Hughes. The present laureate is Andrew Motion In the United States the first poet laureate (Joseph Auslander) was appointed in 1937. A new laureate is appointed every year. He or she serves from October to May and is paid $35,000.

Bonus: did you know a word Haiku is a traditional Japanese from of poetry which has 17 syllables. For example:

Clouds appear

and bring men a chance to rest

from looking at the moon