Poetry Off the Shelf

Poetry Foundation

Producer Helena de Groot talks to poets about language, dreams, love and loss, identity, connection, anger, discomfort, the creative process, the state of the world and the world of the soul. Hard conversations are welcomed—laughter is, too.

  • 46 minutes 2 seconds
    What Heaven Looks Like

    brittny ray crowell on grief, the scent of burning leaves, and finding her way back.


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    4 November 2025, 6:00 am
  • 48 minutes 8 seconds
    We Dream of Each Other

    Kay Gabriel on embarrassment, labor organizing, and the discipline of hope.


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    21 October 2025, 2:53 pm
  • 50 minutes 47 seconds
    Glow in the Dark

    Martha Silano in memoriam: on blushing knees, fairy houses, and preparing your kids for loss.


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    30 September 2025, 4:35 pm
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    Mentor for Life

    Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize winner Rigoberto González on immigration raids, rhythm, and his father’s last words.


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    16 September 2025, 3:24 pm
  • 53 minutes 12 seconds
    Let the World Whisper

    Ahmad Almallah on Gaza, the moon, and the companionship of Paul Celan.


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    2 September 2025, 4:09 pm
  • 48 minutes 47 seconds
    A New Leaf

    KB Brookins on change, gym bros, and the stories that haven't been told.


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    19 August 2025, 2:06 pm
  • 47 minutes 4 seconds
    Sleep and Surrender

    Drew Ackerman on insomnia, late-night radio, and soothing his inner cynic.


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    5 August 2025, 1:59 pm
  • 45 minutes 2 seconds
    Museum of Stories

    Shin Yu Pai on professional breakup, desert art, and love in the archive.


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    22 July 2025, 3:29 pm
  • 53 minutes 43 seconds
    The Last Touch

    Alina Stefanescu on ruins, fear of flying, and life in the Romanian Republic of Alabama.


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    8 July 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 54 minutes 55 seconds
    Touch the Moon

    Philip Hoare on William Blake, revolution, and swimming in the dark.


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    24 June 2025, 3:35 pm
  • 45 minutes 45 seconds
    Growing Sideways

    Stephanie Burt on queer time, glass dildos, and making it up as you go. 


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    10 June 2025, 2:07 pm
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