[riffraff]

But this is about poetry, would Twain qualify as a poet?

My vote would go to Edgar Lee Masters because the spoon river anthology is one of the few poetry books I actually read, and it exemplifies a lot of the American spirit, IMVHO.

[maxerickson]

It's at least arguably about storytelling. You don't sit around the fire talking in verse for your entertainment.

For instance, one of Homer's works is in the news due to a film being made of it.

I suppose that suggests the Coen brothers.

[bryanrasmussen]

Well, yes, the Coen brothers did do the best version of the Odyssey for screen after all.

[FeteCommuniste]

The vast majority of Cervantes's work was not in poetry, either. I think the idea is more "emblematic national storyteller" than poet in the narrow sense.