Take this poem

Episode 24: The Ordinary

George Bilgere's work explores the quotidian and what is poetic, sad, and beautiful there. In this episode Keith Hansen reads three of Bilgere's poems: "Horseplay", "The Table", and "Strawberries". I think you'll find something to love here.

I quote this video of Bilgere speaking about his poetry.

https://vimeo.com/94205250

Episode 23: Sea Fever

May I humbly suggest that you take this poem--"Sea Fever" by John Masefield--and memorize it? You won't regret it. 

Episode 22: "Forgetfulness" by Billy Collins

My friend Anna and I discuss and enjoy a poem that ambushed her. 

Episode 21: Poetry Transplanted

What is lost and what is gained when poetry moves from one language to another? I briefly ponder this question and share three translations of Anna Akhmatova's poem "Heart's Memory of Sun Grows Fainter". 

Episode 20: Good Mail

In this episode I share two highlights from the mailbag this week.

Tom Clark reads from Paige Lewis' collection Space Struck. 

Episode 19: "Memorial" by A.E. Stallings

This episode is another field trip to a cemetery, this time in the good company of classicist-poet A.E. Stallings and her beautiful poem "Memorial (Mnemosyne)".

Episode 18: A Child's Garden of Verses

Two of my college roommates sent me audio files recently, and they both happened to be poems by Robert Lewis Stevenson. It seemed like a good time for an episode featuring his winsome, easily memorizable poetry that so captures the childhood experience. 

I read "Bed in Summer"

Lydia and Will share "My Shadow"

Melanie shares "The Swing" 

Episode 17: Why Poetry?

In this episode I share "The Pupil" by native Kentucky poet Maurice Manning. This poem tells the story of an interior Appalachian scene and does artistic work that I believe is unique to poetry. I draw upon Matthew Zapruder's book Why Poetry? to aid my attempts to explain it. 

Episode 16: O world, I cannot hold thee close enough!

When the air smells like cut grass it's time for some spring poetry! This week I share the sonnet "God's World" by Edna St. Vincent Millay. 

Episode 15: What Does a Six Year Old Love?

Eleanor finally entered the Closet Of Poetry with me and shared a few of her favorites.  All the poems she says in this episode are from memory, which helps explain the adorable botched limerick she busts out with at the end. Get the kids gathered 'round for this one!