Who was the First American poet?

It's difficult to definitively say who was the "first" American poet, as poetry existed in the Americas long before European colonization.

Here are some important figures to consider:

* Native American oral traditions: Before European arrival, indigenous peoples had rich oral traditions that included poetry, songs, and stories. These are difficult to trace back to a specific "first" poet, but are essential to understanding the history of poetry in the Americas.

* Early European settlers: Some of the earliest written poetry in North America came from European settlers. These include:

* Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672): Often considered the first notable American poet, she wrote about her life in colonial New England.

* Edward Taylor (1642-1729): A Puritan minister, Taylor's poetry was largely religious in nature.

It's important to remember that the concept of a single "first" poet ignores the rich history of poetry in the Americas, particularly the contributions of Indigenous peoples.