Laurels

I want to take time out from footnoting(?) to congratulate W.S. Merwin on his selection as U.S. Poet Laureate.

Merwin is a prolific poet, essayist and translator. He began writing metrical poetry early in his career and has since branched out into all modern forms, including prose poetry (a collection of them was published a couple of years ago, which the library I'm writing from shelves in the Story Collection -- and it works!).

I also commend the Librarian of Congress for this year's selection. I could not think of a better choice, personally.