New poet laureate Tracy K. Smith
Listen 00:49:30
Tracy K. Smith, a creative writing professor at Princeton University, poses in her Brooklyn apartment after winning the Pulitzer Prize for poetry her poetry collection "Life on Mars," Monday, April 16, 2012 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Guest: Tracy K. Smith
TRACY K. SMITH wrote her first poem when she was in the 5th grade, inspired by Emily Dickinson. 30 years and three published volumes later, she has been named the new poet laureate by the Library of Congress. Marty will spend the hour with Smith discussing poetry, the writing process, and what it means to be a “literary evangelist.” We’ll also hear her life story, which she wrote about in her memoir, Ordinary Light. Smith is also the director of Princeton University’s Program in Creative Writing.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by Radio Times
Radio Times
WHYY's Radio Times is an engaging and timely call-in program that tackles wide-ranging issues of concern to listeners in the Delaware Valley.
Subscribe for free
A public art project in Germantown will use poetry to combat gun violence
Healing Verse Germantown will use poetry workshops and public art installations to help residents address gun violence and its trauma.
2 months ago
1 year later, Eddie Irizarry is remembered in poetry
On Aug. 14, the anniversary of his shooting by Philadelphia police, an anthology of poetry about police violence is published.
3 months ago
Listen 1:45
Penn Relays, Mexican Week, Zepparella, VinylCon! and more in this week’s ‘Things To Do’
April 25–28: The Philadelphia Show, “Kill Move Paradise” in N.J. and the Delaware Symphony’s performance of Mahler are among this weekend’s highlights.
7 months ago
Listen 4:32