Take this poem

TTP hosts its first mini poetry reading, as three listeners each share a beloved poem. Grab a seat in the front row and enjoy!

 

Tom Clark reads "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas

Melinda Westervelt reads "Happiness" by Raymond Carver

Keith Hansen reads "A Birthday Card To My Mother" by Philip Appleman

 

(If you don't need my pep talk about facing the fear of your own recorded voice skip to 5:00 where the poetry begins.)

Local poetess Bethany Lee joins me to share a few of her poems and a few of the poets who inspire her. 

Among other things we discuss the connection between dust bunnies and time for creative endeavors. 

https://www.bethanyjoylee.com/

http://www.fernwoodpress.com/2019/05/02/the-breath-between/

This week I bring you one of my favorite poems by Scott Cairns. Can a moment of understanding be a miracle? Can we miss our chance for inspiration if the tea kettle calls whistles too soon? 

 

A.D. Sertillange's little book "The Intellectual Life" helps me ponder Cairn's poem. 

"Donal Og" is a strange and beautiful poem that has traveled a long way to reach us. What do we gain by reading something so old? 

BONUS EPISODE!

My mother Leslie Herrema spent 30 years helping young students memorize poetry. I talk with her about the and whys and hows of that endeavor.

When you skulk around in cemeteries may I suggest that you take Emily Dickinson's #449  to accompany you?

My favorite engineering professor Dr. Ben Giudice shares "i thank You God for most this amazing" by e.e.cummings and we discuss the interdisciplinary goodness that happens when poems get in our blood.