Shapiro’s award for literature is ‘very sweet’

Alan Shapiro, Kenan Distinguished Professor of English and Creative Writing, received a North Carolina Award for Literature at a ceremony on November 13. The awards, given for literature, public service, science and fine arts, are the highest civilian honor in the state. Shapiro is the author of 12 books of poetry (including Night of the Republic, a finalist for both the National Book Award and The Griffin Prize), two memoirs, a novel, a book of critical essays and two translations. During a recent interview, he shared what this award means to him, how poetry is the perfect outlet for exploring difficult topics, and why, decades later, he still loves teaching at Carolina.

Read the poem, “Coffee Cup,” from Shapiro’s Night of the Republic.

Q: Congratulations on winning a North Carolina Award for Literature. You’ve received many accolades for your work, including the state’s highest prize for poetry, the Roanoke-Chowan Award — twice. What does this particular award mean to you?

A: Well, Truman Capote once said, “It’s a long walk between drinks.” This is certainly a very nice drink. I’ve lived in North Carolina longer by far than I’ve lived anywhere else in my life. I raised my children here. So, to receive this recognition from what I consider my home state is very sweet. The community of fellow writers is one of the most if not the most inclusive and generous I’ve ever encountered. That someone whose ties to the state go back only two decades could win an award like this is a measure of just how welcoming the writers and the people of this state have been and continue to be.

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