[Natasha Trethewey, Poet Laureate of the United States, talks about her term as Poet Laureate, the legacy of previous Laureates, and her own experiences and accomplishments].

Natasha Trethewey, Poet Laureate of the United States and professor of English and Creative Writing at Emory University, talks about her term as Poet Laureate, the legacy of previous Laureates, and her own experiences and accomplishments, at an event held in the Michigan State University Main Library. Trethewey and MSU Professor and poet Anita Skeen, converse about the duties of Laureate, and how Trethewey has promoted poetry across the country. Trethewey explains the influences in her life, how she approaches writing, and the difference between playing with language and having something to say. She reads her poem, "Elegy. For My Father." The session is convened by Librarian Michael Rodriguez. Cosponsored by the Michigan State University Library, The MSU Center for Poetry, and the MSU Residential College in the Arts and Humanities.

Recorded by the Vincent Voice Library, Apr. 3, 2014.