Today we hear poems by Margaret Atwood and Farugh Farrokhzad, the rebel poet of Iran. Tom and Paul then share some first drafts of their own. Support the show Music by Wes Cunningham. Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com

Hi. Today we bring you the rest of our conversation about the poetry of Joy Harjo as Paul reads “How to Write a Poem in a Time of War.” Tom reads “Confession” by Louise Gluck, before sharing is own little diddy called “Indifference.” Support the show Music by Wes Cunningham. Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com

We’re back! After a little break, we’re excited to bring you our first episode of season 2. Paul reads “She Had Some Horses” by Joy Harjo, Tom reads “The Wish Poem” by Louise Gluck, as well his latest called “Ululations.” Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com

Today’s episode is part 2 of our fantastic conversation with Atlanta actor, director, and writer Tom Key. We discuss what makes a poem a poem, if and how grief can feel good, and read our own humble offerings. Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com or patreon.com/twofriendstwopoems

It’s a special three-friend episode! We’re joined by Atlanta actor, writer, director Tom Key. He reads a poem by Emily Dickinson, then Tom and Paul read theirs by Gwendolyn Brooks and Margaret Atwood. Be sure to subscribe to hear part 2! Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com or patreon.com/twofriendstwopoems

It’s our first episode of 2025! Today Paul reads a poem by Georgia poet Stephanie Niu and Tom shares some prose poetry by Howie Good, then they read their own stuff too. Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com or patreon.com/twofriendstwopoems

In today’s episode Tom and Paul return to Anne Sexton to popcorn read her take on the Brothers Grimm fairytale “Godfather Death.” Then Tom reads a new poem by Paul called “I Have a Glock” and Paul reads Tom’s new one “Lake Lanier.” Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com or patreon.com/twofriendstwopoems

Today is another three-friend episode! Tom and Paul are joined by Atlanta artist Paige Adair to dive into the poetry of Anne Sexton and Sylvia Plath. Content warning: Description of self-harm Check out Paige Adair’s work Red Riding Hood by Anne Sexton Elm by Sylvia Plath Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com or patreon.com/twofriendstwopoems

Today Paul reads works by Percey Shelley (again) and Joyce Kilmer before sharing his own poem about why there’s grass. Tom reads a poem he forgot writing. England in 1819 Trees Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com or patreon.com/twofriendstwopoems

Today Paul reads Ozymandias by Shelley, Tom reads a speech from King John by Shakespeare, as well as his own poem ‘cringe’. It’s the day after the election and reading poems helped, for what it’s worth. SPOILERS FOR ALIEN COVENANT Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com or patreon.com/twofriendstwopoems

Today we have part two of our fantastic conversation with Nellsyn Hill. Three friends! Nellsyn reads The Song of Amergin and Tom reads a poem by Imam Khalifah Marcellus Williams. Check out Into the Mythic podcast Read more about Imam Khalifah Marcellus Williams Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com or patreon.com/twofriendstwopoems

It’s another three friends episode! We’re joined by guest Nellsyn Hill who shares a favorite poem by Pablo Neruda. Paul reads a poem by Heather McHugh that inspires a discussion about words often deemed naughty. Listen with discretion! Epithalmium by Pablo Neruda I Knew I’d Sing by Heather McHugh Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com or patreon.com/twofriendstwopoems

This is part 2 of our fantastic conversation with Nederland Colorado poet Burt Rashbaum. Burt reads one of his poems that has been on his mind lately, Tom and Paul sheepisly turn in their homework assignments, and Burt rounds things out with one of the first poems he wrote in junior high while under the spell of Bob Dylan. Buy Burt’s Book: https://carouselofhappiness.org/product/of-the-carousel/ Burt on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKskheGiGRU Burt on Amazon Support the show Sup...

Today we are thrilled to welcome Colorado poet Burt Rashbaum. Burt has been writing for most of his life and we have a fantastic conversation about what inspired his collection of poetry entitled Of the Carousel. Burt shares how he became a writer and found the Carousel of Happiness, before letting Tom and Paul read two of his poems, inspired by his experiences operating the carousel. Be sure to catch part 2 where Burt reads one of the first poems he ever wrote while under the spell ...

Today we're joined once again by actor/writer Paden Fallis who shares a poem two ways by poet Christopher Ketcham, Paul shares poems by Anne Carson, and Tom reads one his own called ‘Dancing with Helene.’ Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com or patreon.com/twofriendstwopoems

Another three friends episode! Today we’re joined again by Mark Smith who reads poetry by JRR Tolkien and discusses how the podcast has affected his life. Tom reads “The Talker” by Georgia Poet Laureate Chelsea Rathburn, and Paul shares a poem by Argentenian poet Antonio Machado (en Espanol) before reading his own poem inspred by Tom’s new job. Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com or patreon.com/twofriendstwopoems

In a special three friends episode, Foster Wilson joins the show to discuss her collection of poetry Afternoon Abundance: Poetry for Wild Souls. She lets Tom and Paul each read a favorite before sharing a poem by Kate Baer. But first, Paul gets kicked out of the library! Afternoon Abundance: Poetry for Wild Souls is a raw and honest exploration of womanhood, inviting readers to shed societal pressures and embrace their inner wild. Through her vibrant poetry, Foster Wilson delves into t...

In today’s episode Tom dives into another Shakespeare sonnet (30) and Paul reads a poem by Colorado poet Julie Carr. Paul reads his poem “The Theory of Every” and Tom gets greedy with two of his own: “Silent Subway Bit” and “Breakup Song.” Thanks for listening! Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com or patreon.com/twofriendstwopoems

Today Tom reads some verse from one of the greats, Samuel Beckett. Then, Paul shares a poem by Brian Bilston (America is a Gun) before wrapping things up with new poems by Tom and Paul. Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com or patreon.com/twofriendstwopoems

In today’s episode Tom and Paul read poems by Irish poet Padraig O’Tuama and Eukranian poet Ella Yevtushenko. Paul reads his poem "(I have to) Write a Poem” and Tom reads “A Poem for the Angry Young Man and his Family.” But first, Tom came up with a segment. Support the show Read more of Tom’s poetry and other writing by following him at tomwardwrites.medium.com or patreon.com/twofriendstwopoems