Maybe the key to making government more civilized is adding some artistic inspiration to the mix? Upon his election to the Seattle City Council in 1998, Nick Licata instituted poetry readings to be held before his committee meetings, in the belief that the personal insight of poetry has the power to enlighten the routine of government.

A guest curator for his Words’ Worth poetry program is chosen every few months. The curator then selects poets to attend the meetings that Councilman Licata chairs and read their own works. If you were chosen as one of the curators, whose poetry would you select, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!