Video
The Genius of Poetry: a Profile of Heather McHugh
"For me, the whole point of poetry is to liberate the larger sense," says Heather McHugh. "A great paradox of poetry is the smallest unit of language you can make that releases the greatest number of readings." In September, she was named a MacArthur Fellow, receiving $500,000 in “no strings attached” support over the next five years. 5:21
The Poetry Series, featured on the PBS NewsHour and funded by the Poetry Foundation, engages a broader audience with poetry through a series of thoughtful, in-depth reports on contemporary poets and poetry.
Poet Lucille Clifton Dies After Cancer Battle
Remembering former Maryland poet laureate and National Book Award winner Lucille Clifton. 2:55
Remembering former Maryland poet laureate and National Book Award winner Lucille Clifton. 2:55
A 'Rift in the Land' Brings Haitians Together
Understanding Haiti's disaster through a poet's eyes. 3:58
Understanding Haiti's disaster through a poet's eyes. 3:58
Poet Philip Levine Recalls Life at the Factory
A profile of Philip Levine, a former auto worker who became a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. 6:12
A profile of Philip Levine, a former auto worker who became a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. 6:12
First Collection in English of Best-Selling Russian Poet
A profile of Russian poet Vera Pavlova, who will release her first collection of poems in English, If There is Something to Desire, next month. 4:00
A profile of Russian poet Vera Pavlova, who will release her first collection of poems in English, If There is Something to Desire, next month. 4:00
At 88, Marie Ponsot's Work Hasn't Skipped a Beat
A profile of 88-year-old poet Marie Ponsot, who published her sixth collection of poems last month called Easy. 4:52
A profile of 88-year-old poet Marie Ponsot, who published her sixth collection of poems last month called Easy. 4:52
Sherman Alexie Fuses Tribal and Western Cultures
Author Sherman Alexie talks about his new book of poetry called "Faces" and his new short story collection, "War Dances." 5:23
Author Sherman Alexie talks about his new book of poetry called "Faces" and his new short story collection, "War Dances." 5:23
Junk Man: Poet and Professor Albert Goldbarth
Poet and toy collector Albert Goldbarth is a two-time winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, as well as the Mark Twain Prize for Humor. 04:43
Poet and toy collector Albert Goldbarth is a two-time winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, as well as the Mark Twain Prize for Humor. 04:43
Writer, Poet Jim Harrison Is a Determined “Outsider”
Most of Jim Harrison's books have been set in sparsely populated areas, including "Paradise Valley," where he now lives much of the year. 7:35
Most of Jim Harrison's books have been set in sparsely populated areas, including "Paradise Valley," where he now lives much of the year. 7:35
Bob Hicok Reflects on Economic Hardships in Michigan
The poetry of Michigan-born Bob Hicok addresses the economic hardships suffered in his home 4:36
The poetry of Michigan-born Bob Hicok addresses the economic hardships suffered in his home 4:36
Unlikely Laureate: A Conversation with Kay Ryan
Known for short, compact writing and for living a very quiet life, Kay Ryan has taken on a big and very public role as the nation's Poet Laureate. 8:26
Known for short, compact writing and for living a very quiet life, Kay Ryan has taken on a big and very public role as the nation's Poet Laureate. 8:26
Transcript of Lincoln Inspires Poem for 16th President
Poet and journalist Cynthia Zarin’s poem for Abraham Lincoln was inspired by a discovery in a shoebox. 02:40
Poet and journalist Cynthia Zarin’s poem for Abraham Lincoln was inspired by a discovery in a shoebox. 02:40
Acclaimed American Author John Updike Dies at Age 76
Remembering John Updike, one of the most prolific and popular American authors of his generation. 11:11
Remembering John Updike, one of the most prolific and popular American authors of his generation. 11:11
Elizabeth Alexander Reflects on Inauguration Reading
The poet discusses the significance of including poetry in the inauguration ceremonies and shares some of her work. 08:53
The poet discusses the significance of including poetry in the inauguration ceremonies and shares some of her work. 08:53
The Electorate Process Inspires “Election Day” Poem
Following the historic 2008 presidential election, J.D. McClatchy, a professor, poet and critic, reads “Election Day,” a poem about voting. 02:18
Following the historic 2008 presidential election, J.D. McClatchy, a professor, poet and critic, reads “Election Day,” a poem about voting. 02:18
Merwin’s Passion for Poetry and the Natural World
W.S. Merwin reads several of his poems and talks with Jeffrey Brown about memory, language, and his life as a poet and horticulturist. 03:02
W.S. Merwin reads several of his poems and talks with Jeffrey Brown about memory, language, and his life as a poet and horticulturist. 03:02
Santa Fe Spoken Word Club Explores Indian Identity, History
The Spoken Word Club at the Santa Fe Indian School maintains links to native language and culture through verse. 06:31
The Spoken Word Club at the Santa Fe Indian School maintains links to native language and culture through verse. 06:31
Oregon Poet Laureate Inada Reflects on Internment
Lawson Inada shares poems about childhood experiences in Japanese American internment camps during World War II. 03:53
Lawson Inada shares poems about childhood experiences in Japanese American internment camps during World War II. 03:53
Poet Kwame Dawes Takes On HIV/AIDS in Jamaica
Kwame Dawes reads his poems and talks to correspondent Jeffrey Brown about HOPE: Living and Loving with HIV in Jamaica. 06:35
Kwame Dawes reads his poems and talks to correspondent Jeffrey Brown about HOPE: Living and Loving with HIV in Jamaica. 06:35
Pau-Llosa Discusses Latin American Art, Shares Poem
Poet and art critic Ricardo Pau-Llosa reads from his new collection, "Parable Hunter." 04:04
Poet and art critic Ricardo Pau-Llosa reads from his new collection, "Parable Hunter." 04:04
Poetry Program Gives Prisoners Unexpected Voice
For more than 30 years, poet and professor Richard Shelton has traveled to a high security prison in Arizona to run a program that encourages prisoners to write and read poetry. 09:14
For more than 30 years, poet and professor Richard Shelton has traveled to a high security prison in Arizona to run a program that encourages prisoners to write and read poetry. 09:14
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