Video
Poetry Program Gives Prisoners Unexpected Voice
Richard Shelton, a poet and professor at the University of Arizona, has been coming into prisons as a volunteer since the early '70s, when a man on death row wrote to ask for feedback on his poems. In a new memoir, "Crossing the Yard," Shelton writes of that and many other extraordinary experiences. 09:14
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 Ben Saenz Considers Mexico’s Border Violence
Saenz is a Chicano poet, novelist, professor and painter who lives near El Paso, Texas, just across the border from the Mexican town of Juarez. Much of his work addresses the land and people . . . 4:19
Saenz is a Chicano poet, novelist, professor and painter who lives near El Paso, Texas, just across the border from the Mexican town of Juarez. Much of his work addresses the land and people . . . 4:19
Poet Behbahani Writes for Peace Amid Iran's Political Turmoil
English translator Farzaneh Milani examines the writings of Simin Behbahani, one of Iran's most renowned and prolific female poets, amid the recent political turmoil that has affected her own life. 4:16
English translator Farzaneh Milani examines the writings of Simin Behbahani, one of Iran's most renowned and prolific female poets, amid the recent political turmoil that has affected her own life. 4:16
David Mason's Novel in Verse Explores the Old American West
Poet, essayist, and professor David Mason shares a look at a dramatic moment in American labor history through his poem about a 1913 mine strike that ended in violence. 4:14
Poet, essayist, and professor David Mason shares a look at a dramatic moment in American labor history through his poem about a 1913 mine strike that ended in violence. 4:14
Classic Poems Turn Lyrical on Natalie Merchant's New Album
Natalie Merchant has just released a two-disc album titled Leave Your Sleep, a collection of 26 traditional poems set to original music. 6:17
Natalie Merchant has just released a two-disc album titled Leave Your Sleep, a collection of 26 traditional poems set to original music. 6:17
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
The Genius of Poetry: a Profile of Heather McHugh
Heather McHugh, a poet who was named a MacArthur Fellow in September 2009, shares her perception of the craft. 5:21
Heather McHugh, a poet who was named a MacArthur Fellow in September 2009, shares her perception of the craft. 5:21
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
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