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.
September 15, 2005 - Dudley Voigt, co-founder of Teens Rock the Mic, comments on developing young people. The Twin Cities based youth poetry group is trying to raise money for their organization and they're getting some help from several reknowned writers and poets.
September 15, 2005 - Dudley Voigt, co-founder of Teens Rock the Mic, comments on writer benefit.
December 9, 2005 - MPR’s Stephanie Hemphill reports on Cheng-Khee Chee, one of Minnesota's best-known watercolor artists, who has published a book for children. It's called "Noel," and it's a free-flowing poem by Tony Johnston about the sights and sounds of an old-fashioned Christmas. Hemphill talked with the artist about the technique he used to convey the magic of an evening full of snow and Christmas bells.
December 12, 2005 - MPR’s Tom Crann interviews Emerson College literature professor Daniel Tobin about Eugene McCarthy’s poetry.
December 12, 2005 - Former presidential candidate and Minnesota Sen. Eugene McCarthy, who died over the weekend, appeared on Midday many times over the years. He reflected on politics, read poetry and talked baseball. A tour of the Midday archive showcases McCarthy's brilliance, wit and wisdom.
January 26, 2006 - Dominic Papatola, Minnesota Public Radio arts commentator and St. Paul Pioneer Press theater critic, talks with MPR’s Cathy Wurzer about Norwegian playwright and poet Henrik Ibsen.
April 13, 2006 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles students preparing for the first "Poetry Out Loud" competition in Minnesota.
April 18, 2006 - MPR’s Tom Crann and Dr. Jon Hallberg share annual dose of the poetry of physicians and patients.
April 24, 2006 - MPR’s Tom Crann talks with Duluth’s Poet Laurete Bart Sutter, who talks about his role. Sutter also shares a poem on his city.
May 8, 2006 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Minnesota poet James Armstrong, who talks about his volume "Blue Lash." The poems look at the complex nature of Lake Superior. Armstrong also reads a poem from book.