These poems are written for and read aloud on the Texas Standard radio program. They're topical, typed on an actual typewriter and created by members of the Typewriter Rodeo. Texas Standard airs Monday through Friday on more than 20 public radio stations across Texas. Visit texasstandard.org/list…
Austin, Texas
This Typewriter Rodeo poem for the Texas Standard gives three perspectives on one nearly universal question — is it Friday yet? The post Is it Friday yet? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Texas Standard’s Typewriter Rodeo operates by request — this poem came from a suggestion by a listener identified as @earthweaver, who asked for some verses celebrating NPR. The post Ode to NPR! appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
You can find Little Free Libraries in front yards, parks, and near community buildings. There are few rules and much to be discovered. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem. The post Little Free Libraries appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
We’ll all have unavoidable goodbyes on Earth. The details may be different but those left living will undoubtedly face big and complex and changing feelings. This Typewriter Rodeo poem offers one experience as an example. The post Hospice appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
It’s one way to enjoy your neighborhood and maybe work up a little sweat. But do you need a little motivation to go for a walk? This Typewriter Rodeo poem says you can’t do it wrong. The post How to Go For a Walk appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Sometimes the outlook is bleak — or even downright awful. Even in the worst case scenario, some find hope in identifying the good. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem. The post Celebrating the Positive appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Texas Standard has been Tracking Texas Cryptids. Some are known for their distinctive appearance. Others are known for their unique sounds. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem. The post The Ozark Howler appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Some blocks are trick-or-treat duds — no porch lights on, no one ready with the Halloween candy, no one home? Other blocks, are like the one that inspired this Typewriter Rodeo poem. (And maybe, there’s even the full-sized candy bar house!) The post Neighborhood Halloween appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
The Texas Standard team is Tracking Texas Cryptids this spooky season. There’s La Lechuza, the Hairy Man of Round Rock — and the Jackalope? One of these is a bit more adorable than abominable. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem. The post The Jackalope appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
This spooky season, Texas Standard is Tracking Texas Cryptids. The Typewriter Rodeo team is also in on the hunt. The target of this poem is said to live in Kimble County. The post The Beast of Bear Creek appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
With temperatures (finally) cooling down, music festival season is ramping up across Texas. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem. The post Music Festivals appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
The Barbie film was one of the summer’s runaway hits. Some may be still feeling ripple effects from it. That inspired this Typewriter Rodeo poem. The post Why the Barbie Movie is Causing so Many Break-Ups: Some Theories appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
The last official day for summer in 2023 is Sept. 23. Though the temperatures haven’t really changed that much yet, many are embracing the early signs of fall. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem. The post Summer’s Over appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Some Typewriter Rodeo poems are serious. Some are timely. This one is about cheese. The post The Benefits of Cheese appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
While school is beginning again, the calendar still reads summer — and so does the temperature gauge. This Typewriter Rodeo poem embraces the challenge of exercising in the heat. Still, be careful out there! The post Summer Training appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
The new school year typically focuses a bunch on the students. But this Typewriter Rodeo poem takes the perspective of an educator. The post A New Teacher’s First Week at School appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Not every day seems easy — or even “good.” But support from those who love us can remind us that every day has the potential to be our best. Maybe it’s just a matter of perspective. That’s what inspires us about this Typewriter Rodeo poem. The post My Best Day appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
If there’s one thing we know about the folks at Typewriter Rodeo, it’s that they’re into expressing themselves through poetry. But why via typewriters? And not just any ol’ electric typewriter — but vintage, manual typewriters. This poem explores that.
There are plenty of quotes about age and wisdom. This Typewriter Rodeo poem doesn’t pull from stereotype or adage. It’s just a real-life example of a good lesson passed down.
(AKA the stars at night) This Typewriter Rodeo poems celebrates one of Texas’ most beloved scientific treasures.
The pandemic impacted many parts of many of our lives. For some, that included what we wear. This Typewriter Rodeo poem celebrates one change that the poet is embracing as permanent.
One thing Texans have certainly been thinking about lately: the heat. But sweet frozen treats may be one delight that can inspire folks to venture away from the A/C, at least for a bit. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s Pride Month. But there have also been sustained efforts this year across the country to stifle the voices of and limit the rights of LGBTQ+ people. This Typewriter Rodeo poem reflects what it looks like to celebrate yourself in a time when violence against LGBTQ+ people is commonplace.
Who are you? How do you anchor yourself? What’s in, as they say, a name? It’s something to ponder and explore in this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
For the uninitiated, the tradition can seem strange or downright savage. Where are the utensils? The plates? You want me to do what with the head of that creature? But for many Texans, it’s a season worth celebrating all unto itself.
The school year has wrapped up just as the political frenzy of presidential politics and state legislature drama — not to mention the actual weather — is heating up. Whether it’s bored kids demanding more attention or the news cycle draining your optimism, it can be exhausting. Maybe it’s time for a nap?
Sometimes there’s universality in specificity. This Typewriter Rodeo poem was inspired by the author’s grandmother.
It’s National Nurses Week. This Typewriter Rodeo poem celebrates the people that are there to help in some of the happiest and most difficult periods of life.
It feels like a milestone birthday. Perhaps fully “over the hill” but not yet to the next decade. This Typewriter Rodeo poem celebrates 45 for what it can be.
It’s that time of the year. For limos — or station wagons. For high heels — or flip flops. For flowers — or not. This Typewriter Rodeo poem celebrates all the different ways people do prom.
Saturday, April 22, 2023 is Earth Day. As the effects of climate change become ever more clear — what’s an appropriate way to mark the day? That was the question behind this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Maybe those egg prices at your local grocery store had you daydreaming about your own coop. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
A little rain (or a lot) and some warmer weather in parts of Texas mean the ground has sprung back to life. This Typewriter Rodeo poem celebrates and investigates the human efforts to cultivate the earth.
Check your calendar — and then check your coffee cup or your sheets for anything that might be extra. Approach social media with caution. Take big news in stride. The first day of April can come as quite a surprise. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The weather does not always perfectly align with the changes in season. And, in Texas, those seasonal highs and lows are often very dramatic. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Don’t forget to wear green. That’s the main tradition for most. For others, the day brings layers of meaning and memories. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
When you talk about gas stations, there’s one chain in Texas that gets some out-sized attention for, well, it’s size. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
For a few days it was all we could talk about: what is that thing? And then it was: what are those things? For the most part, we’ve moved on. But the answers remain a bit unsatisfactory for many. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas is still picking up the pieces from another devastating February freeze. Some of the primary victims this round were trees big and small. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Some make you laugh out loud. Others make you roll your eyes. This punny poem comes by request from a Texas Standard listener.
Texas is both rural and urban. Culturally rich and agriculturally rich. This Typewriter Rodeo poem celebrates farms and gardens of all shapes and sizes. It came by request from Texas Standard listener Finnegan.
The holiday season is behind us but the weather still tends to be a little cold and gloomy. The pace of projects and demands seems non-stop and any promise of a break seems very far away. Don’t we all need just a little bit of levity? That was the inspiration behind this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Do you really have to ride horses regularly to wear cowboy boots? Do you have to be mending fences or herding cattle to love a good cowboy hat? This Typewriter Rodeo poem questions the meaning of “real” cowboy.
The patterns of wildlife can be indicators of seasonal change. The habits of these animals might also be something humans could learn from. This Typewriter Rodeo poem was requested by Texas Standard listener Steven.
The details of climate change can be overwhelming. For some, it’s so overwhelming that they begin to shut it all out. Others are just tired of hearing about it. Those where the dual inspirations of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Is the start of a New Year a clean slate? Or does it come with unreasonable expectations? This Typewriter Rodeo poem invites us to not overthink it — and just jump in.
Hustle and bustle are two words often associated with the holiday season. Before the turkey is even consumed, often the Christmas lights are up, and then, before you know it, there are only X shopping days left. This poem invites us to slow down.
Did you gorge yourself over several days? Or were you patient? Are you still picking your way through what was collected that final night of October? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
For fans of a certain musician, a certain recent ticket-buying experience was a certain nightmare. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Trying something new and different can be fun — but may also leave you wanting a little more. That was the inspiration behind this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Tis the season for a trip to any retailer to make you feel very confused about the actual date on the calendar. Is it really time to buy egg nog already? What happened to that bag of Halloween candy I saw here last week? Are those — little Santas?? That inspired this Typewriter Rodeo poem.