Online NewsHour: Poetry Series | Archive

October 22, 2009

Poet Laureate Kay Ryan Pushes Verse for Community Colleges
Kay Ryan came into office as an "unlikely" poet laureate, she has said, living a quiet life in California, working away on her refined, compact verse. Now in her second term as the 16th U.S. poet laureate, she has decided on a project to share with the nation.

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			Heather McHugh Poet, Professor

September 22, 2009

The Genius of Poetry: A Profile of Heather McHugh

A profile of Seattle poet Heather McHugh, who was awarded the MacArthur Fellowship on Tuesday.


			Albert Goldbarth Poet, Professor

August 17, 2009

Junk Man: Albert Goldbarth Is a Collector of Words and Toys

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. In an interview with Jeffrey Brown, Goldbarth discusses his writing, and his latest book of poetry,"To Be Read in 500 Years."


			Jim Harrison Poet

July 9, 2009

Writer, Poet Jim Harrison Is a Determined 'Outsider'

Most of Jim Harrison's 32 books have been set in the sparsely populated areas he knows well: Northern Michigan, the Sandhills of Nebraska, the Arizona-Mexico border and in the beautiful "Paradise Valley" near Livingston, Mt., where he now lives much of the year.


			Bob Hicok Poet

April 30, 2009

Poet Hicok Reflects on Economic Hardships in Michigan

Bob Hicok was born and raised in Michigan, worked in factories and once owned an automotive die design business there before becoming a professor at Virginia Tech. His poetry reflects on the economic hardships suffered in his home state.

NewsHour Extra: Lesson Plan for Teachers


			Nathalie Handal Poet and playwright

April 20, 2009

Well-traveled Poet Finds Consistency in Words

Poet, playwright and editor Nathalie Handal has lived in the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Arab world. She talks with Jeffery Brown about how she has ensconced her memory and transient experiences in poetry.

NewsHour Extra: Lesson Plan for Teachers


			Kay Ryan Poet Laureate

March 25, 2009

Kay Ryan Reflects on Role as Nation's Poet Laureate

Known for compact writing and for leading a quiet life, Kay Ryan has taken on a very public role as the nation's poet laureate. For more than 30 years, she has taught remedial English in Marin County, Calif. Her poems are often praised for their wit and wisdom.

Newsour Extra: Lesson Plan for Teachers


			Cynthia Zarin Poet

February 12, 2009

Transcript of Lincoln Inspires Poem for 16th President

Poet and journalist Cynthia Zarin often writes poems inspired by news articles. In 1989, she came across a story about a handwritten transcript found in a shoebox. It recorded a case in which then-lawyer Abraham Lincoln successfully defended a man on trial for murder. The article inspired her to write "Of Lincoln."

NewsHour Extra: Lesson Plan for Teachers


			Elizabeth Alexander Poet

January 13, 2009

Elizabeth Alexander Reflects on Inauguration Reading

Only a few poets have participated in the swearing-in ceremony for our nation's highest office, and on Jan. 20, Elizabeth Alexander will become just the fourth to hold that honor when she will recite an original poem at President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration.

Video: Elizabeth Alexander Reads at Barack Obama's Inauguration
NewsHour Extra: Lesson Plan for Teachers


			W.S. Merwin Poet

December 29, 2008

W.S. Merwin: A Passion for Poetry and the Natural World

W.S. Merwin is one of the nation's greatest living poets and is the author of more than 50 books. In a house he built on the Hawaiian island of Maui, he cultivates his other life long passion: gardening.

Art Beat: W.S. Merin Reads 'Rain Light.'

December 24, 2008

Poetry at President-elect Barack Obama's Inauguration

Elizabeth Alexander has been chosen to read a poem at President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony, the first time since 1997 a poet will take part in the swearing-in ceremony. As millions watch, Alexander will present an original work.

December 22, 2008

Weekly Poem: 'Your Art History'

Jason Gray is the author of "Photographing Eden," winner of the 2008 Hollis Summers Prize, as well as two chapbooks, "How to Paint the Savior Dead" and "Adam & Eve Go to the Zoo." He co-edits the online journal, Unsplendid and reviews poetry on his blog, Line Art.

November 19, 2008

N.M. Spoken World Club Explores Indian Identity, History

Through verse, members of the Spoken Word Club at the Santa Fe Indian School articulate identities both modern and traditional, and maintain links to the past through native language and culture.

November 7, 2008

The Electorate Process Inspires 'Election Day' Poem

In the week that Americans cast their ballots and elected Sen. Barack Obama to the presidency, J.D. McClatchy, a professor, poet and critic, reads "Election Day," a poem about voting.


			Kwame Dawes Poet

October 8, 2008

Kwame Dawes, Pulitzer Center Take On HIV/AIDs in Jamaica

Poet Kwame Dawes teamed up with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting to create a Web site called "HOPE: Living and Loving with HIV in Jamaica." The site pairs his poetry with music, essays and video from people living with the disease and their caretakers.

NewsHour Extra: Lesson Plan for Teachers


			Lawson Inada Poet

October 3, 2008

Oregon Poet Laureate Lawson Inada Reflects on Internment

Along with more than 100,000 other Japanese-Americans, Lawson Inada was sent to internment camps for the duration of World War II. He was one of the youngest to live in the camps, and much of his writing addresses that childhood experience.


			Ricardo Pau-Llosa Poet

July 25, 2008

Ricardo Pau-Llosa Reflects on Influences, Latin-American Art

Ricardo Pau-Llosa, a prolific Miami-based poet and critic of Latin American art, remembers the colors, tastes and memories that shaped his youth and his writing, taking him back to his native Cuba.

NewsHour Extra: Lesson Plan for Teachers


			Kay Ryan Poet Laureate

July 17, 2008

Library of Congress Appoints Kay Ryan as Poet Laureate

The Library of Congress announced the appointment of Kay Ryan as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry for 2008-09. The native Californian and author of six books of poetry writes poems regarded for their wit and unusual perspectives and wisdom.

June 16, 2008

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. Shelton writes of his experiences in his memoir, "Crossing the Yard."


			Frances Richey Poet

May 9, 2008

Richey's Poetry Addresses Son's Role as a Soldier

"The Warrior" by Frances Richey is composed of 28 poems written by the poet to her son, Ben, a Green Beret who has served two tours of duty in Iraq. Jeffrey Brown speaks with Richey and her son about the collection and their unique perspectives on the war.


			Robert Hass Poet and Pulitzer Prize winner

April 30, 2008

Robert Hass Discusses His Pulitzer Prize-Winning Poetry

"Time and Materials" by Robert Hass won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for poetry, becoming the first book of poetry since 1983 to win both the Pulitzer and the National Book Award. Hass talks about the collection.

Insider Forum: Hass Answers Your Questions About Poetry


			Terrance Hayes Poet and professor

April 24, 2008

For Hayes, Pittsburgh and Poetry Are No Strangers

Terrance Hayes is the author of three books of poetry and is a professor of Creative Writing at Carnegie Mellon University. He discusses life as a poet in Pittsburgh, "where no one is a stranger," and shares some of his work.


			Mary Jo Bang Poet and professor

April 10, 2008

Mary Jo Bang Examines Grief's Poetic Form, the Elegy

Mary Jo Bang is professor of English and director of the Creative Writing Program at Washington University. Her fifth book, "Elegy," which won of the National Book Critics Circle Award, examines the pain and grief following the death of her son.


			Li-Young Lee Celebrated poet

March 3, 2008

Poetry of Li-Young Lee Is 'Descended from Dreamers'

Li-Young Lee was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, to Chinese parents who had been exiled from China. After fleeing the regime of Indonesian President Sukarno in 1959 through Hong Kong, Macau and Japan, his family settled in the United States in 1964.

February 14, 2008

Elizabeth Bishop's Writings Honored by Library of America

The Library of America is publishing the collected works and letters of celebrated poet Elizabeth Bishop -- marking the first time it has done so for a woman poet. Two of Bishop's friends discuss and read her work.


			John Ashbery Celebrated poet

December 31, 2007

From the Air to the Page: The Poetry of John Ashbery

The winner of nearly every major American award for poetry, John Ashbery's substantial body of work has led many to consider him one of the nation's most important writers of the last half century. His most recent book, "A Worldly Country," was published this year.


			Elizabeth Samet Professor and author

November 21, 2007

West Point Professor Seeks Paths to a 'Soldier's Heart'

At the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Professor Elizabeth Samet's upper level poetry seminar unearths the creative side of soldiers-in-training. Jeffrey Brown looks at Samet's use of poetry and her new book, "Soldier's Heart: Reading Literature Through Peace and War at West Point."


			Karen Zaborowski Duffy Poet, teacher and baseball fan

October 25, 2007

Line Drive: An Ode to Baseball, the World Series and Family

Karen Zaborowski Duffy is a lifelong Philadelphia Phillies fan. Although her beloved team was not in this year's World Series, she shares a poem about being at the event with her daughter.

October 22, 2007

Fit to Print: The Business of Publishing Poetry

It's no surprise there's not a lot of money to be made in poetry. So how in a commercial culture like ours does so much of it get published? One answer can be found a few hours outside Seattle, where Copper Canyon has been putting out books for 35 years.


			Charles Simic 15th Poet Laureate of the United States

September 26, 2007

Charles Simic: From Belgrade to Poet Laureate

Charles Simic was named Poet Laureate last month by the Library of Congress. Born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, he has authored 18 books of poetry and won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer. Simic reflects on his craft.

Insider Forum: New Poet Laureate Discusses His Craft


			Joy Harjo Poet and musician

August 23, 2007

Joy Harjo Reflects on the 'Spirit of Poetry'

Joy Harjo is an internationally known poet, writer and musician. Born into the Muskogee Creek Nation in Oklahoma, Harjo's poetry, song and saxophone music honor the Native American spirit.

August 2, 2007

Surreal Wordsmith Charles Simic Named Poet Laureate

The Library of Congress appointed Charles Simic, whose work is known for its surrealism, dark humor and irony, as its 15th poet laureate. The author of 18 books of poetry, Simic takes over the position from Donald Hall, who has served since 2006.


			Paul Hunter Poet and artist

July 9, 2007

Paul Hunter Discusses Reshaping 'Shopworn' Language

Paul Hunter, a poet, musician, instrument-maker, teacher, and editor and publisher, has produced letterpress books and broadsides under the imprint of Wood Works Press in Seattle. He talks about his works.


			Gregory Djanikian Poet and professor

July 4, 2007

Family Picnics and the 'Great Melting Pot' of Language

Gregory Djanikian, director of the creative writing program at the University of Pennsylvania, reads a poem about how immigrants "might contribute to the great melting pot of the English language."


			Jack Prelutsky Children's Poet Laureate

May 11, 2007

Children's Poet Laureate Speaks of Food Fights and Sports

Jack Prelutsky, named the first children's poet laureate by the Poetry Foundation, which also helps fund the NewsHour's poetry coverage, talks about his young readers and shares some of his works from "Good Sports."


			Natasha Trethewey Professor and Pulitzer Prize winner

April 25, 2007

Natasha Trethewey Wins Pulitzer Prize for 'Native Guard'

Natasha Trethewey, who spoke to the NewsHour last year, has won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize in poetry for her book, "Native Guard." She catches up with Jeffrey Brown about her book, winning the Pulitzer and her hometown of Gulfport, Miss., which was crippled by Hurricane Katrina.

April 17, 2007

Nikki Giovanni Delivers Remarks at Virginia Tech Convocation

Nikki Giovanni is a professor of English at Virginia Tech, where she has taught since 1987, and is the author of 15 books of poetry. She gave the closing remarks at the Virginia Tech Convocation following the campus shootings. "We are Virginia Tech," Giovanni said. "We are brave enough to bend to cry and sad enough to know we must laugh again."


			Poetry of the Middle East Israeli and Palestinian poets

March 21, 2007

Words in Conflict: Poetry of the Middle East

Poets in Middle Eastern societies are often held in high regard, and many achieve a level of celebrity and authority not common in the West. Senior correspondent Jeffrey Brown travels to Israel and the occupied territories to provide insight into the lives of Israeli and Palestinian poets, writers in a place of conflict providing a voice for those who feel they don't have one.


			Kevin Young Poet and professor

March 1, 2007

Kevin Young's New Poetry Collection Retraces the South

Emory University professor and poet Kevin Young has released a collection of poems, titled "For the Confederate Dead," about returning to the South and "wrestling with some of the demons of history and war."


			Brad Leithauser and Mary Jo Salter Poets and professors

February 14, 2007

Married Poets Craft Love Poems by the Clock

Two married poets have taken a new approach to crafting their works, participating in a Web experiment that forces them to write their poems in just 15 minutes. On Valentine's Day, the husband and wife team write love poems to one another via the site.


			Galway Kinnell Former Pulitzer Prize winning poet and professor

December 15, 2006

Galway Kinnell on the Pleasures of Ordinary Things

Poet Galway Kinnell reads "Why Regret?" a poem from his latest book about "engaging ourselves with the common acts, the ordinary things, the other creatures."


			Robert Wrigley Poet and University of Idaho professor

November 6, 2006

Robert Wrigley Reads 'Partisan' Election Day Poem

Poet Robert Wrigley of Moscow, Idaho, reads a new poem called "Partisan," capturing the frustration, anger and joy of the voting experience.


			Donald Hall 14th Poet Laureate of the United States

October 16, 2006

Poet Laureate Donald Hall Reflects on Age and Nature

New U.S. poet laureate Donald Hall gives a tour of his New Hampshire farm where he has written poetry for over 30 years. He also reads poems on nature, love and loss, suggests that poetry is becoming more popular and explores the art of saying the unsayable.


			Lucille Clifton Free verse poet focusing on race and gender

September 8, 2006

Poet Lucille Clifton Reads A Poem About the Days Surrounding Sept. 11

Free verse poet Lucille Clifton reads "September Songs, A Poem in Seven Days" about the days surrounding Sept. 11, 2001 which included the terrorist attacks and the birth of her granddaughter.


			Alberto Rios Has been called the "best Latino poet writing in English"

August 17, 2006

Poet's New Work Chronicles a Mexican Couple's Life

Poet Alberto Rios reads from his latest book of poetry "The Theater of Night" which follows a couple in a U.S.-Mexico border town through their youth, marriage and thoughtful old age.


			Kay Ryan Noted poet and English teacher

July 26, 2006

Kay Ryan Discusses New Collection of Poems

Award-winning poet Kay Ryan describes her writing process as "self imposed emergencies" and reads some selections from her new collection, "The Niagara River."


			Leonard Cohen Cultural icon, musician, novelist, poet

June 28, 2006

An Interview with Leonard Cohen

Iconic writer and poet Leonard Cohen discusses the difference between writing a song and a poem, and explains why "Out of the thousands who are known or want to be known as poets, maybe one or two are genuine and the rest are fakes."


			Natasha Trethewey Mississippi-born poet returns post-Katrina

May 12, 2006

Mississippi Native Poet Returns to Gulf Coast After Katrina

Poet Natasha Trethewey recently returned to the coast of Mississippi, where she was born, to witness the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the landmarks she elegized in her book "Native Guard."


			Claudia Emerson 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry winner

May 4, 2006

2006 Pulitzer Prize Winner Claudia Emerson Discusses Art and Teaching

Poet Claudia Emerson talks about winning the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, the writing process, and the themes of her new book, "Late Wife."


			Wyatt Prunty Vietnam Veteran, English professor and poet

March 21, 2006

Poet Responds to Honor Roll of Americans Killed in Iraq and Afghanistan

Poet Wyatt Prunty, who served in the Navy during Vietnam, wrote a poem entitled "The Returning Dead" in response to the NewsHour's broadcast of photos of American soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.


			Brian Turner Poet, teacher and Iraqi war veteran

February 27, 2006

Poetry from the Frontlines: Iraqi Soldier Poet Brian Turner

Poet, teacher and construction worker Brian Turner reads from his new book "Here, Bullet," written during his year-long tour in Iraq as an infantry soldier with the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat team.

August 17, 1999

National Poetry Slam

A look at the national poetry slam, a fusion of performance art and poetry that places young poets in a competition to be the best at delivering their work.

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