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 23, 1993 - Twin Cities poet Michael Dennis Browne reads Potatoes, October.
November 1, 1993 - A reading from an anthology of poems, Mouth to Mouth: Poems by Twelve Contemporary Mexican Women, published in by Milkweed Editions. Excerpt is from an introductory narrative and poem written by poet Isabel Fraire.
November 5, 1993 - On this First Friday program, MPR’s Kathy Wurzer presents a story collection that includes: Alison Owings on German women during Third Reich; Helen Rubinstein on family and the Holocaust; Minnesota Orchestra celebrates its 90th birthday; Vickie Abrahamson on trends; MPR’s Euan Kerr report on international Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA); and Robert Alden Rubin on poetry to read out loud.
November 5, 1993 - On this First Friday segment, MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Robert Alden Rubin, editor of Poetry To Read Out Loud, about the various forms and views of poetry. Includes readings of various poems.
November 26, 1993 - On this Voices from the Heartland segment, Minnesota writer Tom Hegg shares his long poem, A Cup of Christmas Tea, which tells of a man visiting his ailing Great Aunt.
December 3, 1993 - On this winter holiday special First Friday, MPR’s Lynne Warfel-Holt presents a seasonal story collection of various arts and culture topics.
December 3, 1993 - An interview with Bob Holman and Tracie Morris, of New York’s Nuyorican Poets Cafe, discuss poetry slam taking place in Twin Cities. Both also do a poetry reading.
December 11, 1993 - On this Weekend Edition segment, MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with two young poets, who discuss their writing and read some of their work. Both are participants of Community Programs in the Arts and Sciences in Schools (COMPAS), an arts education nonprofit that puts creativity in the hands of Minnesotans of all ages. Community Programs in the Arts and Sciences in Schools
February 5, 1994 - Minnesota poet, singer, and advocate Julia Dinsmore shares her thoughts and experiences on the struggle of American violence and poverty. Segment contains reading and performance excerpts.
February 11, 1994 - This Voices from the Heartland feature presents Marlene Reuber reading poem "It Is Enough" by Ruth Daigon.