Bucks County Community College Appoints Madeline Marriott as Poet Laureate

Bucks County Community College has named Madeline Marriott as its 2025 poet laureate, marking her as the second-youngest individual to hold this title in Pennsylvania’s oldest poet laureate program. This announcement highlights Marriott’s burgeoning career and her passion for poetry, which she describes as an integral part of her life.

Marriott, a lifelong resident of Holland in Northampton Township, expressed her gratitude for living in a community that appreciates poetry. “I feel very lucky to live in a place that values poetry,” she stated in an interview. Her journey into the world of poetry began in childhood, inspired by her father, an English major, who introduced her to Robert Frost‘s iconic poem, “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening.”

Growth Through Community Engagement

Initially drawn to storytelling, Marriott transitioned to poetry during her high school years. She later pursued an English major at Lafayette College, where she honed her craft. Her development as a poet has been significantly influenced by the local literary community. She works part-time at The Newtown Bookshop, where a monthly poetry series, started by fellow poet Lynn Fanok, has provided her with invaluable mentorship.

Marriott has had the opportunity to engage with established poets in this series, stating, “It’s really been a privilege to be around some well-established poets from the area, hear them read their work, and read my work for them.” She frequently seeks feedback on her own poetry from peers, emphasizing the importance of community in her artistic journey.

Alongside Marriott, Evan Wang, a senior from Montgomery County, was recently named the national youth poet laureate. He aims to encourage young people to engage with poetry beyond the written page. This emphasis on accessibility and community connection aligns with Marriott’s aspirations for her tenure as poet laureate.

Plans and Aspirations

While poet laureates are not mandated to conduct projects, Marriott has expressed a desire to host creative writing workshops in local schools. “The hardest part of anything is just starting to write,” she noted. “A lot of people think, ‘I don’t know how to write a poem,’ but I believe everyone can begin by simply putting their thoughts on a page.”

Marriott is currently enrolled in a Master’s of Writing Studies program at St. Joseph’s University and is working as a freelance journalist. She is also preparing to release a children’s book in spring 2024, which tells the story of forest animals creating a suit for their porcupine friend to join a group hug.

Among her literary influences are poets such as Mary Oliver and Wendy Cope. In fact, Marriott has a line from Cope’s poem “Orange” tattooed on her arm. “I have tried to read widely,” she explained, noting that poetry encompasses a diverse range of styles and themes. “For every taste, for every poet, there is really a different experience of reading poetry.”

As she takes on her new role, Marriott emphasizes the importance of community as a source of inspiration and support. She believes that witnessing others’ passion for poetry fuels her own enthusiasm. “They make me proud to be a poet and excited to keep doing it,” she said, looking forward to the opportunities her position will provide.

As Bucks County continues to cultivate its literary scene, the appointment of Madeline Marriott as poet laureate reinforces the region’s commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement in the arts.