Our poet puts it best — “I can’t breathe” in all of its forms seems to be the theme of 2020. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
poetry
Creative Masks
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has mandated most Texans wear masks for most activities outside the home. What that mask looks like — is up to you. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: July 3, 2020
After days of resisting calls from local leaders, governor Abbott imposes fines for those who refuse to use facial coverings in public, saying it’s a necessary step to avoid a return to another lockdown as virus cases set new records in Texas. We’ll have the latest. Also, a first person story of becoming a U.S. citizen in a period of pandemic. Plus the week in politics with the Texas Tribune and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: June 26, 2020
Bars being closed, new curbs on restaurants and other steps issued this morning to deal with the huge spike in COVID-19 cases statewide, we’ll have details. Also, its condition red in Laredo as the city runs low on hospital beds and staff to help those suffering from COVID-19. We’ll hear about how officials are trying to manage the situation there. Also answers to more listener questions about COVID-19. Plus a comprehensive police reform bill passed late last night by the U.S. house. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson on her concerns about the bill’s future. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Uncomfortable Conversations
At the same time as we are being “socially distant” — we are grappling with deeply rooted issues that can be tough to talk about. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Waving At Neighbors
There’s unrest. There’s fear. There’s frustration. And there’s still a lot of “normal” life that just isn’t happening right now. But what we can do is go outside, maybe take a walk, and share a friendly gesture. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: June 12, 2020
In Dallas, President Trump calls for force with compassion in the wake of the killing of George Floyd and subsequent protests in Texas and around the nation. We’ll hear from Gromer Jeffers of the Dallas morning news who was there. Also as COVID-19 hospitalization numbers rise to new records in Texas, concerns that hospitals may not be able to meet even relaxed guidelines for personal protective equipment. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
In Praise Of
The pandemic revealed something interesting about which jobs are really “essential.” It opened a dialogue about priorities and it’s a conversation that’s not over. That was the inspiration for this week’s poem.
Texas Standard: June 10, 2020
As George Floyd is laid to rest in Pearland, a remembrance and calls never to forget. We’ll have more on the funeral of a man whose Killing sparked a new chapter in a long running struggle. Also, another death of a black man, repeatedly tased by police after he failed to dim his headlights at an oncoming police car. And the first African American ever elected to serve in public office in the Texas capital city reflects on then and now. Plus debunking an ugly conspiracy theory making the rounds in Texas. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Phoenix Times
Texas Standard listener Sarah Garrett requested a poem about a phoenix rising up and overcoming adversity and hardship.
Texas Standard: May 29, 2020
As much of the Lone Star State reopens, many prisoners in Texas eligible for parole are remaining behind bars. Why the hold up? We’ll explore. The governor says officials are monitoring the state for possible flareups and outbreaks but that effort’s overlooking many parts of Texas, notably communities of color. We’ll have details. Also, Texas hospitals that received bailout cash are suing a growing number of poor or unemployed patients. And rethinking the mythology surrounding the Texas ranger, the week in politics and more today on the Texas Standard:
We’re In This Together
Even as full stay-at-home orders begin to lift, this week’s Typewriter Rodeo poem is a reminder of what many have been through over the past few months.
Texas Standard: May 22, 2020
Potter County in the Texas Panhandle is seeing more than its share of Coronavirus cases, at least population-wise. We’ll get a look on the ground. Also, what’s voting going to look like in Texas come November? Turns out folks have very strong opinions about this. We’ll hear from some. And we’ll hear again from our go-to doctor for questions about the Coronavirus. One question for today? The risk of sending kids back to childcare. We’ll explore. And if your thumb has become a little greener during this pandemic, you’re not alone not now, and not historically. Those stories and more on today’s Texas Standard:
A Holy Month In The Time Of Pandemic
Many Texans are celebrating Ramadan differently this year than in the past. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: May 15, 2020
Record spikes in Coronavirus cases as Governor Abbott sets plans to further relax state rules on reopening. We’ll take a look at what’s behind the numbers and more. Also, remember when oil prices went into negative territory? All signs point to that happening again. We’ll hear why and what it really signals. And the future of higher education is what, exactly? Colleges and universities scramble to figure out the best way forward for the fall. Also high school graduation at the local drive in, your best best for live music this weekend and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Quarantine Love Poem
They say sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: May 8, 2020
New data in one of the most closely watched political contests in an ongoing Texas election season, we’ll have the latest. Also, honoring Moms in the biggest border city in Texas. Why this year is doubly special. And dealing with a deadly and highly contagious virus, not the one you’re thinking of, that’s affecting other mammalian populations in Texas. Plus the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
What To Do If You Run Out Of TP
It was one of the first signs that life was going to get strange for a while: toilet paper started flying off the shelves. The supply still doesn’t seem particularly stable. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: May 1, 2020
A may day like few others in recent memory as the Lone Star State begins a slow reopen. Texans get back to work, or perhaps, not. We’ll have the latest. Also, its May 1st: due day for millions of renters. Dallas and Austin among cities offering relief. We’ll look at why Texas’ biggest city hasn’t joined them. And the Texas Attorney General weighs in on property rights, in Colorado? Why? And the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune, the Typewriter Rodeo and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Closet Recordings: Kenneth Koch and The Weekly Poetry Lesson
In this edition of This is Just To Say: The Closet Recordings, poet and novelist, Carrie Fountain channels the poetry and wisdom of poet Kenneth Koch and asks us all to write one sentence that begins with, “I wish…”
Email your wishes to Carrie here.