RVA Loves Poetry

How can a simple moment between a parent and child become a lifelong lesson in love?

Join host Tephillah as she examines “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee, a memorable poem that reflects on a father's gentle care and demonstrates how compassion and love can be passed from one generation to the next.

Find the full text of "The Gift" ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Find additional information and more great poems from Li-Young Lee on the Poetry Foundation website ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

How do we find our way when there is no clear roadmap for life?

Join hosts Asafe and Min as they discuss “Do You Have Any Advice for Those of Us Just Starting Out?” by Ron Koertge, a charming poem that offers unconventional guidance for navigating life, reminding readers to remain curious, adventurous, and open to joy.

Find the full text of "Do You Have Any Advice For Those of Us Just Starting Out?" ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Find additional information and more great poems from Ron Koertge on his website.

What is the most meaningful gift a person can offer someone they love?

Join host Aviana as she explores “I Am Offering This Poem” by Jimmy Santiago Baca, a heartfelt poem in which the speaker offers words of love and comfort, suggesting that genuine care can be more valuable than any material possession.

Find the full text of "I Am Offering This Poem" ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Find additional information and more great poems from Jimmy Santiago Baca on his website.

What happens when tragedy strikes, but no one seems to notice?

Join host Grace as she explores “Musée des Beaux Arts” by W. H. Auden, a reflective poem inspired by a painting of Icarus that shows how extraordinary suffering can unfold unnoticed amid the routines of everyday life.

Find the full text of "Musée des Beaux Arts" ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Find Pieter Breugel's famous painting, which serves as the inspiration for Auden's poem, here.

Find additional information and more great poems from W.H. Auden on the Poetry Foundation website ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Join hosts Amy and Carrie as they explore “Forgotten Planet” by Doug Dorph, a reflective poem that traces a father's journey from nostalgia to renewal as his daughter's imagination reminds him that the world is still full of mystery, possibility, and delight.

Find the full text of "Forgotten Planet" ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

How do we decide what truly deserves our time and attention?

Join host Andrew as he explores “You Want a Social Life, with Friends” by Kenneth Koch, a witty poem that reflects on the difficulty of pursuing success while also making room for friendship, love, and the simple joys of living.

Find the full text of "You Want a Social Life, with Friends" ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Find additional information and more great poems from Kenneth Koch on the Poetry Foundation website ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Can we choose our attitude even when we cannot choose our circumstances?

Join hosts Nael and Yijoon Mae as they unpack“Invictus” by William Ernest Henley, a memorable poem that reflects on the power of the human spirit, encouraging readers to face adversity with courage, conviction, and resolve.

Find the full text of "Invictus" ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Find additional information about William Ernest Henley on the Poetry Foundation website ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

How can feeling small make us feel more connected to the world around us?

Join hosts Gavin and Samuel as they explore “The Widening Sky” by Edward Hirsch, a reflective poem that follows a solitary walk along the beach and reveals how moments of humility and wonder can open the heart to an unexpectedly vast love.

Find the full text of "The Widening Sky" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Find additional information and more great poems from Edward Hirsch on the Poetry Foundation website here.

How do we remember who we are and where we belong?

Join hosts Bora and Hakyung as they explore “Remember” by Joy Harjo, an uplifting poem that invites readers to recognize their place within the natural world and to cherish the relationships that sustain them.

Find the full text of "Remember" ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Find additional information and more great poems from Joy Harjo on her website⁠⁠.

How do we respond to the fact that every life must eventually come to an end?

Join hosts Isaiah and Joseph as they analyze “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas, a renowned villanelle that examines mortality while celebrating humanity's enduring desire to live fully and fiercely.

Find the full text of "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Find additional information and more great poems from Mary Oliver on the Poetry Foundation website ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.