Poetry & Spoken Word

Poems From the Pond

By Lisa Pasold Apr 1, 2017 Peggy Freydberg's sharp sense of humor and observation are at odds with this book’s presentation. Dig deeper ( 8 Min. Read )

People’s Climate March ‘Warms Up’ With Kickoff Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Clara Romeo / Truthdig Mar 21, 2017 The meeting aimed to fire up activists in advance of a protest scheduled to coincide with President Trump’s 100th day in office. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

A Poem on Generations Witnessing Cycles of Death and Destruction (Audio)

Staff / Truthdig Feb 1, 2017 Tamiko Beyer's poem serves as a painful reminder of how "horde white-hot power" causes "rage that liquefies/ our hearts, whole communities." Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Poet Asks, ‘Does Everything Depend Upon the Price of Oil?’ (Audio)

Staff / Truthdig Jan 18, 2017 In face of a new administration that may deny climate change, Carolyne Wright reminds us about the blood and tears shed over petroleum for so many years. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

A Poem Close to the Bone for Many in 2016

By Nora Krug Jan 14, 2017 "I can tell something bad is happening in the world when my poem is surging,” says "Good Bones" author Maggie Smith. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti Tells Robert Scheer: I Am Not a Beat! (Audio)

Staff and Robert Scheer / Truthdig Jan 6, 2017 Truthdig's editor in chief asks the co-founder of San Francisco's famed City Lights Bookstore to discuss his life and his work with writers of the Beat Generation. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Transborder Immigrant Tool Series: What to Expect and Do if Stung by an Arizona Bark Scorpion

Staff / Truthdig Jan 4, 2017 The 12th poem in "The Desert Survival Series / La serie de sobrevivencia del desierto" warns those crossing the U.S.-Mexico border that though a sting by an Arizona bark scorpion is, for the most part, not lethal, it requires medical attention. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Transborder Immigrant Tool Series: If a Western Diamondback Bites You, ‘Borders Be Damned’

Staff / Truthdig Dec 27, 2016 The 11th poem in "The Desert Survival Series / La serie de sobrevivencia del desierto" urges those crossing the border to phone for help immediately in life-and-death situations. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Transborder Immigrant Tool Series: If Tarantulas ‘Cross Your Path’ in the Desert, Live and Let Live

Staff / Truthdig Oct 12, 2016 The 10th poem in "The Desert Survival Series / La serie de sobrevivencia del desierto" debunks certain myths about the hairy arachnids, while explaining what will certainly occur to those who taunt the tarantula. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Transborder Immigrant Tool Series: Beware of ‘Assassin Bees’

Staff / Truthdig Oct 6, 2016 The ninth poem in "The Desert Survival Series / La serie de sobrevivencia del desierto" explains that Africanized bees, even when unprovoked, will attack humans. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

White House Arts and Humanities Medals Recognize Americans’ Collective Experience

Clara Romeo / Truthdig Sep 28, 2016 As the nation nears the end of a highly divisive political season, President Obama uses the awards ceremony to focus on common ground. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Transborder Immigrant Tool Series: How to Wait Out the ‘Temper Tantrum’ of a Sandstorm

Staff / Truthdig Sep 28, 2016 The eighth poem in "The Desert Survival Series / La serie de sobrevivencia del desierto" provides crucial tips the desert traveler can use as the sand turns to "sandpaper" and the heat suffocates during a journey across the Mexico-US border The eighth poem in "The Desert Survival Series / La serie de sobrevivencia del desierto" provides crucial tips the desert traveler can use as the sand turns to "sandpaper" and the heat suffocates a journey across the Mexico-U . Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )