This week, we go off-script and talk about one of the greatest creative joys of humankind: poetry. But, first, current events.

• Anti-choice laws are multiplying across the United States.
• Julian Assange has been formally charged under the Espionage Act.
• The Trump administration is making it harder for transgender folks to access homeless shelters.
• Dayton, Ohio KKK rally confronted and shut down by anti-fascists.

In this wide-ranging discussion, we talk about poetry, liberation, the creative process, self-critique, historicity, legacy, and blurring the past, present, and future. Plus, we read some of our own poetry for you on the show. Stick around ‘till the very end for some bloopers.

Links for Additional Reading:

• https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/10/books/review/political-poetry.html
• http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/m_r/ridge/politics.htm
• https://longreads.com/2015/10/06/the-politics-of-poetry/
• https://electricliterature.com/why-all-poems-are-political/
• https://preludemag.com/issues/1/political-poetry/

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Music:

• Intro: “I Ain’t Got No Home in this World Anymore” by Woody Guthrie
• Outro: “Rose Quarts/Fulton Street I” by La Dispute