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.
October 18, 2000 - MPR’s Katherine Lanpher talks with highly acclaimed gay poet and memoirist Mark Doty. The two discuss his second memoir “Firebird.” Doty reads from his book.
December 15, 2000 - On this Talking Volumes, MPR’s Katherine Lanpher interviews Minnesota writer Bill Holm. Lanpher talks to Holm about his book “The Heart Can Be Filled Anywhere on Earth.” Holm also reads from book.
February 28, 2001 - MPR commentator Dale Connelly with his humorous Robert Frost inspired poem "Stopping by the Links on a Snowy Evening."
July 19, 2001 - Alice Quinn, poetry editor at the New Yorker and Head of the Poetry Society of America discusses the promotion of poetry. Quinn also reads two of her favorite poems.
July 30, 2001 - MPR’s Annie Feidt interviews slam poet Thadra Sheridan. She is one of five local poets that are sharpening their words, and clearing their throats in perparation for this year's National Poetry Slam.
August 2, 2001 - MPR Sports Commentator Jay Weiner has been thinking about MInnesota Viking Korey Stringer's death. It reminded him of a 100-year-old poem by A.E. Housman.
October 10, 2001 - MPR’s Tasha Rosenfeld interviews American-born Iranian poet Susan Atefat Peckham about the country Iran and Peckham's first book "That Kind of Sleep." Peckham reads from book.
February 4, 2002 - On this special Morning Edition held in Duluth, MPR’s Cathy Wurzer talks with poet Barton Sutter about his fascination with Lake Superior. Sutter also reads a poem about lake.
April 3, 2002 - MPR’s Tasha Rosenfeld interviews Minneapolis hip-hop and spoken word artist Desdamona. They discuss First Avenue spoken word event. Desdamona also performs a piece.
April 19, 2002 - In this edition of Word of Mouth - A profile on Brave New Workshop’s comedy “Bushwacked 2”/ Minnesota Opera’s “Little Women” / Center for the Performing Arts comedy “Among the Oats” / Northern Clay Center’s St. Paul American Pottery Festival / Klezmer Dances / Albee’s “The Play about the Baby” / The Rose Ensemble is performing music that is based on Gregorian chant / Minneapolis poet and spoken word artist Desdamona reads “To Know my Mother” / Minnesota jazz singer Alicia Renée