Poet Laureate

Greece and Rome: The laurel wreath crowned the laureate victor in military might or poetic prowess.

England: The semi-official patronizing of a poet dates back at least to Chaucer; however, the position is established by Charles I for Ben Johnson in 1617. Laureates were appointed for life, but, since 1999, for ten years at a time.

America: Ours are chosen annually by the Librarian of our U.S. Congress. Thus, there is generally a new one each year. This was officially a "consulting" position starting in 1937 and a "poet laureate" since 1985. My favorites are Robert Frost and Billy Collins. Our current laureate is W.H. Merwin.