Poetry

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 island of Maui, he cultivates his other life long passion: gardening.

Poetry at Obama's Inauguration

By Tom LeGro

It has been widely noted that President-elect Barack Obama is a reader of poetry. Only days after winning the election, Mr. Obama was spotted with a copy of Derek Walcott's collected poems.

Poetry at Obama's Inauguration

By Arts Desk

It has been widely noted that President-elect Barack Obama is a reader of poetry. Only days after winning the election, Mr. Obama was spotted with a copy of Derek Walcott's collected poems.

Kwame Dawes

Poet Kwame Dawes reads some of his poems.

Kwame Dawes, Pulitzer Center Take on HIV/AIDS in Jamaica

Poet Kwame Dawes reads some of his poems.

Oregon Poet Laureate Inada Reflects on Internment

By Tom LeGro

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…

Lawson Fusao Inada

By newshourpoetry

Poet Lawson Fusao Inada reads some of his poems.

Lawson Fusao Inada Reads 'The Stand'

By newshourpoetry

Poet Lawson Fusao Inada reads some of his poems, including "The Stand." In addition to his experiences at the Japanese internment camps, many of Inada's poems are influenced by his love of jazz music.

Frances Richey

Poet Frances Richey reads some of her poems.

Frances Richey Reads 'Waiting' and Other Poems

After a nearly 20-year career in the business world, Frances Richey left to teach yoga and write. The poet's first collection, "The Burning Point" (2004), won the White Pine Press Poetry Prize and was nominated for a Pushcart Prize.