RVA Loves Poetry

Why do memories of the past sometimes bring both happiness and sorrow? Join host Peter as he explores “Tears, Idle Tears” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, a lyrical poem that reflects on the bittersweet nature of memory and the deep sense of longing that can arise when we think about days that are gone forever. Find the full text of "Tears, Idle Tears" ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ here⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ . Find additional informati...

How do we recognize joy when it quietly waits for us to welcome it in? Join hosts Faira and Malindi as they explore "Little Stones at My Window" by Mario Benedetti, a reflective poem that personifies joy as a patient visitor, reminding us to set aside our anxieties and embrace the possibilities and happiness still waiting ahead. Find the full text of "Little Stones at My Window&quot...

What happens when a poem forces you to question your own perspective? Join hosts David and Mozes as they explore "Refugees" by Brian Bilston, a powerful poem that invites its audience to confront assumptions about strangers, belonging, and our shared humanity. Find the full text of "Refugees" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Find additional information and more great poems from Brian Bilsto...

Join hosts Micah and Yohan as they explore "It Was Like This: You Were Happy" by Jane Hirshfield, a thoughtful poem that encourages readers to reflect on the importance of appreciating life's ordinary moments before they pass. Find the full text of "It Was Like This: You Were Happy" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . Find additional information and more great poems from Jane Hirshfield on t...

Can forgiveness exist even in the face of betrayal? Join hosts Lydia-Ann and Tia as they explore "The Feet of Judas" by George Marion McClellan, a poem that highlights one of the most astonishing moments in Scripture: Christ humbly washing the feet of the very man who would betray him. Find the full text of "The Feet of Judas" ⁠⁠⁠⁠ here ⁠⁠⁠⁠. Find additional information and mor...

What qualities make a truly great leader? Join hosts Chase and Judah as they explore "A Dedication" by Lucian B. Watkins, a poem that honors the life and work of Booker T. Washington while revealing how education, hard work, and a commitment to others can inspire meaningful change. Find the full text of "A Dedication" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Find additional information and more great...

What happens when someone believes their greatness will last forever? Join host Mae as she explores "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley, a renowned sonnet that reminds us that even the mightiest leaders and civilizations eventually fade away, leaving only stories behind. Find the full text of "Ozymandias" ⁠⁠⁠ here ⁠⁠⁠. Find additional information and more great poems from Mary...

When life is full of competing voices and difficult choices, how do you find the courage to follow your own path? Join host Yebin as she explores Mary Oliver's poem "The Journey", an extended metaphor that traces one person's determined struggle to overcome obstacles and discover the strength to move forward with purpose. Find the full text of "The Journey" ⁠⁠here ⁠⁠. F...

What does it mean to be truly free? Join hosts Eliana and Madison as they explore Maya Angelou's "Caged Bird," a powerful poem that uses the contrasting images of a free bird and a captive one to illuminate humanity's enduring desire for freedom, dignity, and a voice that cannot be silenced. Find the full text of "Caged Bird" ⁠ here ⁠. Find additional information and mo...

When machines kill, who ultimately bears responsibility? Join hosts John and Sunyul for an insightful analysis of Clint Smith's poem "the drone," a haunting personification of drone technology that challenges its audience to consider the ethics of modern warfare. Find the full text of "the drone" ⁠⁠⁠ here⁠⁠⁠ . Find additional information and more great poems from Clint Smit...

How easy is it for you to be fully transparent and vulnerable around your friends? Join hosts Caitlin and Emily for a discussion of Jason Shinder's poem "How I Am", which explores a person's inability to reveal his or her inner life to close friends and loved ones, despite longing for a deeper connection. Find the full text of "How I Am" ⁠⁠ here⁠⁠ . Find additional info...

What duties in your life have you let slide--ones that you now wish you could have fulfilled? Join hosts Joe and Josh for an insightful analysis of R.T. Smith's poem "Neglect", a thoughtful meditation on time, memory, and the lingering regret one can carry over neglected responsibilities. Find the full text of "Neglect" ⁠ here⁠ . Find additional information and more great p...

Is warfare a stage to win admiration and accolades? Or is it something more tragic and regretful? Or both? Join host Tejveer for an insightful analysis of Carl Sandburg's poem "Iron," a striking poem that contrasts the glorified imagery of warships and weaponry with the quiet, grief-laden work of shovels. Find the full text of "Iron" ⁠⁠ here⁠⁠ . Find additional information...

What urgent messages would fallen soldiers send to the living if they could? Join hosts Caitlin and Lilian for an insightful discussion of John McCrae's “In Flanders Fields,” the iconic poem that gives voice to the fallen soldiers of World War I and their enduring call to those who live on. Find the full text of "In Flanders Fields" ⁠here⁠ . Find additional information about John McC...

At what point in their lives do children begin to recognize their parents' sacrifices? Join hosts Annie and Madeline for an insightful discussion of Ada Limón's "The Raincoat," a moving poem that captures a daughter's growing understanding of her mother's deep and sacrificial love. Find the full text of "The Raincoat" here . Find additional information and more...

Have you ever witnessed a parent achieve a feat that left you in disbelief? Join host Mr. De Kleine for an insightful analysis of Martín Espada's poem "The Sign in My Father's Hands," a poem that depicts how a young boy begins to view his father with admiration and with awe. Find the full text of "The Sign in My Father's Hands" here . Find additional information and more great poems from Martín Es...

Find the full text of Maya Angelou's poem here .

Find the full text of Nikki Giovanni's poem here .

Find the full text of James D. Corrothers' poem here .

Find the full text of Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer's poem here .

Find the full text of Essex Hemphill's poem here.

Find the full text of Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem here .

Find the full text of Greg Sellers' poem here .

Find the full text of Clint Smith's poem in his recent poetry collection, ⁠ Above Ground ⁠ , published by Little, Brown and Company in 2023.

Find the full text of William Ernest Henley's poem here .