The Poets of San Francisco: A Legacy of Voices

San Francisco’s streets hum with a unique energy—a city alive with stories etched into its hills and fog-draped skies. Since 1998, this city has chosen Poet Laureates to translate its essence into words, capturing the grit, grace, and soul of its people. Each laureate adds their own voice to the city’s evolving story, leaving a lasting legacy of verse.

The Laureates of San Francisco

Lawrence Ferlinghetti (1998)

The inaugural Poet Laureate, Ferlinghetti was a natural choice. The founder of City Lights Bookstore and a cornerstone of the Beat movement, his words embodied San Francisco’s rebellious and free-spirited character.

Janice Mirikitani (2000)

Mirikitani’s poetry held a mirror to the city, reflecting hard truths and the resilience found in confronting them. Her work spoke of history’s scars while celebrating the strength to rise above them.

Devorah Major (2002)

Major viewed the city as a tapestry of people and stories. Her work celebrated San Francisco’s diversity, weaving the voices of its many communities into a vibrant mosaic.

Jack Hirschman (2006–2009)

Hirschman’s poetry was raw and urgent, a rallying cry for justice. His verses captured the struggles and hopes of the city’s marginalized, channeling activism through art.

Diane di Prima (2009–2012)

Di Prima’s poetry felt timeless, steeped in mysticism and history. Her words carried an otherworldly quality, connecting the past to the present in ways that resonated deeply.

Alejandro Murguía (2012–2015)

Murguía’s bilingual poetry honored the culture and resilience of San Francisco’s Latino communities, particularly in the Mission District. His work was a celebration of roots and a reflection of life’s struggles and joys.

Kim Shuck (2017–2020)

Shuck’s poetry drew attention to San Francisco’s Indigenous history and the land’s deeper narrative. Her words reminded readers of the wisdom embedded in the city’s foundations.

Tongo Eisen-Martin (2021–2024)

Eisen-Martin’s work was a sharp and unapologetic reflection of the city’s inequities and strengths. His poetry captured the rhythm of the streets, combining critique with hope for transformation.

Genny Lim (2024–Present)

The current laureate, Lim, brings a warm yet firm voice to the role. Her poetry celebrates the interconnected lives of immigrants and dreamers who continue to shape San Francisco, offering a vision of resilience and renewal.

A City That Breathes Poetry

In San Francisco, poetry is woven into the everyday—heard in the clang of cable cars, the whispers of the fog, and the life flowing through its neighborhoods. The Poet Laureates channel this living rhythm, capturing the city’s essence in words that endure.

As you wander through the Mission, North Beach, or along Ocean Beach, take a moment to listen. You might hear echoes of Ferlinghetti or feel the presence of Lim’s poetry in the air. San Francisco’s voice is everywhere, waiting to be discovered in the spaces between the ordinary.

The city doesn’t just inspire poets—it is poetry. And its laureates ensure its song is never forgotten.