Dichter fan Fryslân

‘Lighten up, Kim Jong-un’ is the latest poem by Arjan Hut as Poet Laureate of Friesland. Today it can also be read in the regional newspapers Friesch Dagblad, Leeuwarder Courant and on the website of Omrop Fryslân.

The Poet Laureate of Friesland, Arjan Hut: “Is it possible to go back to how it was, in the past? Now that everyone is shooting at each other, with opinions like bullets. ‘You cannot put a Fire out’, Emily Dickinson wrote. That’s how she started a poem, and there the fire is a symbol: inspiration. A completely different fire to open! The title ‘Lighten up, Kim Jong-un’ is inspired by a statement by president Trump, and a song by Sparks (Lighten up, Morrissey).”

The Dutch translation by Jantsje Post and the English translation by David Colmer can be read on this website.

Arjan Hut will continue in his role as Poet Laureate of Fryslân through 2026

23/10/2025

Arjan Hut will continue in his role as Poet Laureate of Fryslân through 2026. Earlier this year, the Provincial Council of Fryslân approved the extension of his appointment. Consequently, Hut, who was officially designated as Poet Laureate of Fryslân in 2023, will be able to continue his work and projects as the province’s poetic ambassador for one additional year. Among other activities, he will open a walking exhibition he has curated at the literature festival Meet Me at the Lighthouse in November, featuring unique book covers from Frisian poetry collections.

‘Lighten up, Kim Jong-un’, a new poem by the Poet Laureate of Friesland

Arjan Hut will continue in his role as Poet Laureate of Fryslân through 2026

‘Not on Us’ is the latest poem by Arjan Hut as Poet Laureate of Fryslân

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fan Fryslân