Literary figures/poets

Poet Robin Becker reads "The Roast Chicken" from her collection "All-American Girl."

Since today is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year, we asked Robin Becker to read her poem Shopping. It’s about some of the darker reasons we head to the stores. She teaches poetry writing at Pennsylvania State University.

Poet Mark Halliday reads "Separated Father," a poem about the differences between familial and romantic love.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz is also a poet. Today, he reads an autobiographical poem called "She Forgets."

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz is also a poet, and today he reads one of his poems about leaves changing color.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz is also an accomplished poet. The U.S. Information Agency recently sent Lloyd to Brazil for a lecture tour. He tells us he found a country with a huge love of poetry.

The Fresh Air poet-in-residence reads a new work, "The Ivory Novel," in which he dreams of writing a novel about saving African elephants from poachers.

Olds reads a poem about her father, centered around his bed -- the site of his romances and, ultimately, his passing.

Fresh Air's poet-in-residence shares his reflections on the memories that gave him the most intense but evanescent pleasure.

Mark Halliday returns to Fresh Air to recite two of his poems, about families, nostalgia, music, and memory.