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.
March 17, 1994 - MPR’s John Rabe interviews Irish poet Micheal O'Siadhail about writing poetry and personal expression. Segment also includes O'Siadhail reading numerous poems.
September 29, 1994 - Eugene McCarthy, former Minnesota Senator and Democratic Presidential candidate, discusses politics, philosophy, baseball, amongst other topics. McCarthy also answers listener questions. During program, McCarthy shares personal recollections and recites one of his poems, written about Lyndon Johnson.
October 27, 1994 - Robert Bly reads poem about men and women.
December 15, 1994 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Minneosta poets Diane Glancy and C. W. Truesdale about the book “Two Worlds Walking: Short Stories, Essays, and Poetry by Writers of Mixed Heritages" that they edited. Segment includes Glancy doing short readings.
December 23, 1994 - MPR’s Marlana Benzie-Lourey interviews Duluth poet Louis Jenkins about his book "Nice Fish." Jenkins reads title poem of book.
January 13, 1995 - Michigan’s Upper Peninsula poet Barbara Simila reads her poems "The Immigrants", "Heritage", and "Walking On Water."
January 13, 1995 - Award-winning poet Barbara Simila from Michigan's Upper Peninsula discusses Lake Superior and Copper Country with fellow Keweenaw resident Darlene Basto.
February 2, 1995 - MPR’s Catherine Winter interviews Duluth poet Barton Sutter about his style of poetry and writing process. Segment includes Sutter reading from one of his books.
February 3, 1995 - On this February First Friday program, MPR’s Beth Friend presents a story collection that includes: Poet Christopher Merrill discusses not seeing the evil of Bosnian War, Sci-fi author Octavia Butler on a character who feels other’s pain, Geraldine Brooks on islamic women behind the veil, and Diversity in American Art.
February 3, 1995 - On this segment of First Friday, MPR’s Beth Friend interviews American poet Christopher Merrill, who shares his frustration on the lack of concern in arts community of the Bosnian War tragedy. Segment also includes Merrill reading Bosnian poetry.