MPR has had a keen ear for capturing the words and meter of poetry. Minnesota is home to many nationally renowned poets, city and state poet laureates, spoken word artists, and individuals young and old that have simply created work for the sake of the form. The state is also a magnet for poets all throughout the world. Here is a wonderful breadth of those readings, speeches, thoughts, and histories of the poet.
February 5, 1993 - On this First Friday program, a collection of stories including Stepin Fetchet, trend-watching, can poetry matter?, barn poetry, stress of racism, who music serves, snowboarding terms, “Thank You, M’am,” and minor league baseball stadiums.
February 5, 1993 - On this segment from First Friday, American poet Dana Gioia discusses the history of poetry in a conversation about his book “Can Poetry Matter?: Essays on Poetry and American Culture,” published by Graywolf Press.
February 5, 1993 - American poet Dana Gioia reads his poem “Money.”
February 5, 1993 - On this segment of First Friday, MPR’s Maja Beckstrom profiles barn poetry. An inspiration of New York poet Mark Mendel back in 1982, the poetry resides on the side of Goodhue County Road 6, outside of Red Wing, Minnesota.
March 12, 1993 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Minnesota poet Phebe Hanson about her poetry, the concept of “Minnesota Nice," life for women in the state, and a conference Hanson will speak at that celebrates Minnesota women as part of national women's history month.
April 8, 1993 - MPR’s Mike Maus interviews Zimbabwean novelist Shimmer Chinodya and others talk about writing coming out of war and Zimbabwe independence.
April 8, 1993 - MPR’s Mike Edgerly interviews unknown gentleman about exhibit of material from renowned American poet James Wright, including diaries and correspondence with W. H. Auden, John Crowe Ransom, and Theodore Roethke.
April 8, 1993 - MPR’s Kate Moos reads James Wright’s beloved poem “A Blessing.” The poem is based on an actual experience James Wright had whilst driving home one late afternoon with his friend Robert Bly, a fellow poet. They pulled off the highway and stopped to admire two ponies.
April 16, 1993 - MPR’s Mike Edgerly interviews Phantom Poet, who shares his frustration with winter. Phantom Poet also reads a poem about spring.
May 3, 1993 - MPR’s John Biewen profiles Minneosta poet Bill Holm after his heart attack. Holm talks about his health, his time in China, writing, and disdain for strict nutrition.