Malibu Poet Laureateship
Meet Nathan Hassall
Nathan is an English-American poet who specializes in free-form, experimental, prose, and haiku poetry.
Nathan has lived in Malibu for the last six years, where he has had the honor of leading poetry workshops in local elementary schools alongside former poet laureate, Ricardo Means Ybarra, and Jolynn Regan as part of the city’s Art and Education program.
Nathan is proud to announce he has been appointed the next Poet Laureate of the city of Malibu, 2023-2025. During this two year term, Nathan plans to carry on the legacy set forth by former poet laureates, Ybarra, Ellen Reich, John Struloeff, and Ann Buxie and introduce exciting new events to the community.
To learn more about him, click the orange button below.
Pictured is Ellen reich’s—the former poet laureate of Malibu—poem, “Interruption of Bird,” carved on black Belgian stone at Malibu Legacy Park to recognize the importance of poetry and literary arts to the city.
What is a Poet Laureate?
…And what do they do?
The meaning of a poet laureate actually has its roots in Greek culture, (did Nathan mention he’s Greek as well?) in which a crown or wreath made of “laurel,” which symbolized Apollo (the patron of poets), was given to both poets and heroes alike.
This tradition was later revived in England in the 17th century, when poet laureateships became titles granted to individuals to acknowledge poetic excellence. These laureates often wrote poems for royal and national occasions.
This esteemed tradition later made its way over to the United States in 1936, where it is still considered an official recognition by a city, state, or country today.
Regarding Malibu’s history, Nathan is honored to be the city's 5th and youngest poet laureate.
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