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 7, 1991 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik visits Mayslacks Polka Lounge in North Minneapolis, where one can find a drink, Polish food…and local poetry readings.
March 15, 1991 - MPR’s Beth Friend profiles St. Paul poet and essayist David Mura. Mura is interviewed about his experience getting a writing grant and moving to Japan for a year.
April 26, 1991 - MPR’s Beth Friend interviews Greek nature poet Olga Broumas, who discusses her viewpoint on poetry and teaching. Feature also includes readings of poems “The Massacre” and “The Bird,” from her book “"Perpetua."
November 2, 1991 - Weekend Edition’s Jim Wishner talks with author Bill Holm about the snowstorm that hit state. Holm gives his impression on what blizzards are all about…a time to read and write.
November 15, 1991 - MPR’s Paula Schroeder interviews educator and writer Geri Giebel Chavis about the poetry therapy. Chavis details the process of and positive force of bibliotherapy.
December 7, 1991 - David Hilton's basketball poem "The Poet Tries to Turn in His Jock," read by A.S.
January 2, 1992 - American poet Diane Glancy reads her poem "Without Title" (for my Father who lived without ceremony).
January 9, 1992 - Midday offers an interview with writers and poets Alex Pate, Elaine Shelly, and Marcia Davis. The three discuss the distinct nature of Black writing and read from their work.
February 7, 1992 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer profiles the 10th Anniversary of Minnesota Voices Project Competition. Segment includes interviews with Catherine Meyer, managing editor of New Rivers Press; Sharon Oard Warner, author of Learning to Dance and Other Stories; and poet Mark Vinz, author of The Weird Kid.
February 14, 1992 - On this Voices in the Heartland episode, MPR’s Marlana Benzie-Lourey talks with central Minnesota poet Joe Paddock about nature, history of the land, and his poetry. Paddock also reads numerous poems.