Eight other well known names took to the floral stage to recite their favourite American poetry. However, the gentle rule was sometimes ignored, especially by scientist Harold Varmus who chose a selection of British poetry by John Donne. Gyllenhaal selected a piece by the Russian Anna Akhmatova.

As well as poetry readings, the guests were encouraged to share their own personal stories relating to poetry. Composer Steve Reich recalled visiting a bookstore in central Manhattan and discovering the work of William Carlos Williams. The poet Mark Strand pointed to his favourite poem that he wished he himself had written, Archibald MacLeish’s “You, Andrew Marvell”.

Among the other guests to speak on stage were the poets Rose Styron and Jorie Graham, Author-humorist Roy Blount Jr, and the singer Joan Baez who admitted she knew nothing about reading poetry.

The American National Poetry Month runs until the end of April.