Meaning: Rita Dove, an acclaimed poet and former Poet Laureate of the United States, shared this quote in a 1994 interview with The Paris Review. In this statement, Dove reflects on the diverse and often unsolicited feedback she receives from people across the country regarding the role of a poet laureate. Her acknowledgment of the value in these communications speaks to the complex and evolving nature of the poet laureate position, as well as the broader relationship between poets and their audiences.

As the first African American to be appointed as the U.S. Poet Laureate, Dove's insights into the expectations and perceptions surrounding the role are particularly significant. The quote underscores the public's interest and investment in the responsibilities and impact of a poet laureate, as well as the dynamic exchange between poets and their readers.

Dove's assertion that people reach out to her from various locations across the country reflects the widespread reach and influence of the poet laureate position. This outreach demonstrates the public's engagement with poetry and the ways in which individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences seek to contribute to and shape the role of the poet laureate.

The phrase "asking me, and sometimes even telling me, what they think a poet laureate should do" highlights the multifaceted nature of the advice and feedback Dove receives. It suggests that individuals not only inquire about the poet laureate's potential actions but also express their own perspectives and expectations for the position. This duality of inquiry and assertion speaks to the public's active participation in defining and reimagining the poet laureate's role in society.

Dove's acknowledgment of the value in these communications indicates her receptivity to diverse perspectives and the ways in which such interactions can inform and enrich her understanding of the poet laureate's role. By recognizing the input she receives, Dove demonstrates an openness to engaging with and learning from the public, as well as a willingness to consider the multifaceted expectations and desires associated with the poet laureate position.

Overall, this quote from Rita Dove offers a glimpse into the complex and interactive nature of the poet laureate position. It showcases the ongoing dialogue between poets and their audiences, as well as the diverse range of perspectives that shape and inform the expectations and responsibilities of the poet laureate. Dove's reflections underscore the enduring relevance and impact of poetry in society, as well as the ways in which individuals from across the country actively contribute to the evolving role of the poet laureate.