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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.
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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 isthat thing? And then it was: what arethose 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.
We’re all experiencing darker evenings after setting the clocks back an hour last weekend – the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Early voting in the Texas midterm elections is coming to an end and voter turnout so far is down. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem. Election Day is Nov. 8.
Drought has crept back over much of Texas. Now, a burst of rain provides much-needed moisture to a parched land. The challenging, perhaps heartbreaking ebb and flow of this weather pattern was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Bath time, teeth brushing, stories, songs. The little one seems all settled — and then — a scream, a call, a cry. What could possibly be the matter? That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The school year is now well underway. Routines are set. If things seem to be moving smoothly, we have teachers to thank. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The Typewriter Rodeo operates by request. And this request by a Texas Standard listener named Amanda left our poet a lot of room for interpretation. Want to request a poem? Just email texasstandard@kut.org.
The calendar is officially fall but you may not be ready for pumpkin spice just yet. Thanks to modern appliances, summer standouts can still be enjoyed for months to come. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The calendar says fall but the temperature gauge does not. Is it August again? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The last several weeks brought a bit of much-needed rain to most of Texas. But it hasn’t been enough to offset months of drought. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
This poem is about a plant — not a person. But in the wake of the sudden passing of an enormous political and historical figure, it’s easy to see parallels. A cactus was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem — but it’s lasting presence is similar to the seven decade reign of Queen Elizabeth […]
Students across Texas are headed back to class. Parents and caretakers are readjusting to the school schedule. Everyone is figuring out how to get enough sleep with the new demands. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Who needs your help and what does it really mean to lend a hand? Those are the bigger, underlying questions that serve as the backdrop of this seemingly simple Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The season doesn’t technically change for another month, but the start of the school year starts to make a shift towards fall. It’s been a hot, dry summer in Texas and many are ready to move on. But, before we do, this Typewriter Rodeo poem highlights a few things we’ll miss.
John Aielli is one of those people who truly made Austin weird. He was known for his genre-defying show and meandering conversations. Aielli wasn’t just an icon of the music scene but a companion in kitchens and on commutes for decades. He died on Sunday at age 76 and was the inspiration for this Typewriter […]
It’s hot. Want to drink something cold? Many Texans turn to snow cones. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The grass is so dry, it’s been crunching underfoot. The earth is dusty and cracked. And then — welcome rain. Not the kind we wish away but the kind we wish for more of. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The news has been heavy for a long time — full of stories of suffering and loss. It’s natural and healthy to want to take a break. But sometimes finding the good can feel difficult. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s summertime and the travel season has returned with intensity. Flights are packed and lines are long — and delays and cancelations are likely for a multitude of reasons. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Some embrace them as the unofficial mascots of Texas cities — looking at you, Austin. But others are put off by their scavenger natures. The grackle inspired this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The pandemic changed life as it once was. Many lost jobs. Others began remote work. Everyone took stock of what was most important. Even two years in, we’re not seeing a workforce that’s back to “normal.” That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s not the biggest thing in the world. It may be the smallest — a misplaced letter, forgotten punctuation, clumsy thumbs. But it can obscure your message, change its meaning entirely, or just make you feel a little silly. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
There may not be sufficient words to describe the feelings of horror, grief, and anger over the shooting at an Uvalde elementary school that killed 19 students and two teachers. This Typewriter Rodeo poem honors those lost.
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, three species of bluebirds make their homes in Texas during part of the year. Right now, you’re likely to see those pretty little birds building nests or caring for young. But don’t mix them up with their bigger, angrier cousins. This poem came by request from Texas Standard listener […]
In February of 2021, the Texas power grid was within minutes of total failure because of high demand in response to unusually cold weather. Most Texans went without power for some period of time — many suffered in the dark and cold for days. Some also lost access to water. Hundreds died. The following winter […]
A leaked draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade has dominated this week’s headlines. It was the inspiration behind this week’s Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The Easter holiday has come and gone. But do you ever wonder if all those hidden eggs have really been found? Shelf-stable candy might not be a huge cause for concern. But those real eggs… That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
To wrap up National Poetry Month, Texas Standard is collecting your short poems about Texas. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem. Click here to record your poem here and we may use it on the radio.
Texas gas prices are actually down quite a bit from the record high price (not counting inflation) set last month. AAA Texas reports the statewide average is $3.70 for a gallon of regular unleaded. But the cost of filling up is still challenging for many. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
This Typewriter Rodeo poem came to us via listener request. Matthew Koontz suggested the topic “no governing, just culture wars.” This is the result.
There are folks out there who need to hear that they are loved and accepted. That was the simple but vital inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The daily online word game trend has kept up since The New York Times purchased Wordle. For now, it’s just part of a routine for many. Will that change and is the sharing of those green and yellow boxes still annoying? That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Record-high gas prices might mean many are scaling back on travel plans. But the warming weather and (currently) loosened pandemic concerns make a short escape to enjoy the outdoors somewhere in Texas sound awfully appealing. At least that was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Home prices across Texas, and especially in some of its major cities, have risen steeply. The costs are also being passed along to those who rent. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
With the primaries just behind us and mask mandates continuing to lift, the rifts between us all seem very evident — Who will you support come November? Will you still wear that mask? What do you think of X, Y, or Z major issue? But looking overseas to Ukraine, we can see evidence of what […]
Research has been looking into the potential benefits and harms posed by psychedelic microdosing — that’s taking very small amounts of substances such as LSD or certain types of mushrooms. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
A text of affirmation or encouragement is often appreciated. But perhaps you are among the many who receive such texts from total strangers — or more like bots — and often with a suspicious link to claim a prize. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The Winter Olympics are going on — so is the Super Bowl. Some aspects of both of those huge sporting events look very different these days, others look exactly the same. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texans have (so far) not experienced widespread blackouts this winter. Still, many prepared for the worst heading into Winter Storm Landon. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The omicron variant of COVID-19 is highly contagious and has caused a huge spike in case numbers. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
As the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues its rapid spread, many are desperate to confirm whether any possible symptom is an actual case. Unfortunately, getting an appointment for a test or finding a box of the at-home variety has been very difficult. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Schools are, once again, overwhelmed by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. At this current stage, some districts have shut down for days at time, others are asking parents to serve as substitute teachers. All that was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s the time of year when many people try to reset, make ambitious goals, or aim to try something new — or not. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s not *technically winter just yet — but we’re just over a week out from Christmas and it hardly feels like it — even for Texas! That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s the time of year for time off. And, for anyone trying to get in touch with someone else, it’s the time of year for automatic replies. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Jackets may not be necessary many days in a Texas December — but a warm bowl of soup can feel welcome even when the temperatures don’t require it. That was the inspiration behind this listener request!
It feels like there may not be a whole lot new to say about love in poetry. But perhaps that’s exactly why humans can’t stop writing about it? Texas Standard listener Michael Abild requested this poem about “the creative and sustaining nature of love.”
This season of being thankful, some of us are thinking about being thankful for each moment and our ability to enjoy that moment, to savor it. Texas Standard listener Lynzy requested this poem about ridding herself of the products and systems that get in the way of her ability to be present.
This Typewriter Rodeo poem came by request from Texas Standard listener Pete Ramirez. His request was for a poem dedicated to “the love and joy of riding a bike.”
From the Red River to the Rio Grande — it’s a Texas high school tradition that’s… *grown over the years. This Typewriter Rodeo poem came by request from Texas Standard listener Linda Newman. She observed homecoming mums used to be real and about the size of a grapefruit. Now, she says they’re artificial and bigger […]
Noticing, appreciating, musing in, the small things around us. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Some folks mark the seasons by changing out the wreath on the front door or pulling out different colored lights or other decorations. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The weather is cooler — a little bit. The decorations are going up and football season is in full swing. But what are the other tell-tale signs of a Texas autumn? That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
With new census numbers finally available, lawmakers are drawing new maps for political representation. It’s no surprise that those with the pen seem inclined to make the lines in favor of themselves or their interests. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Social media can be an escape — a place to share wins and cat photos. It can also be a place where bullying runs rampant, misinformation is spread, and anxieties are stoked. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The visible evidence of climate change and the studies about its dire long-term impacts can be overwhelming. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Though its effects can feel less than glamorous at times, getting older is a privilege. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem. The idea came to us via listener request in honor of a father who turned 70 this year.
How many times have begun a sentence with “it’s been a tough year” — or year and a half…? For some folks, the saving grace has been an animal friend — or a few of them. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The so-called “waves” of the COVID-19 pandemic look similar to the ride of a roller coaster — but it’s not a ride anyone is enjoying. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
From the pandemic to the winter freeze to the political divisions and societal reckonings, it’s been a challenging period on so many fronts. The inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo is the promise that something can grow from what looks long past hope.
Navigating the pandemic has been hard all along. But, now, life circumstances are calling some of us to in-person socialization for the first time in a long time. Masks and social distance — and outdoor gathers are still the safest. But what even to say in small talk anymore? That was the inspiration for this […]
The 2020 Olympics (taking place in 2021) have, as usual, been filled with stories of challenge, triumph, disappointment. Kari Anne Holt has been watching it all. And that was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Our personal choices often have impacts beyond our personal lives. How do we find balance and how has a pandemic heightened all of this? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every part of our lives — including our nightmares. Now that some sectors of the world continue to open up, many are finding the details of those nightmares are shifting. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo Poem.
The final totals aren’t yet in but, for many Texans, this July has certainly felt a lot wetter than usual. In some cases and in some areas, the weather has been quite severe. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
For some people, it’s snakes. For others, it’s spiders. In Texas, we have both — in large sizes and quantities. Consider the tarantula. Yes, it’s harmless. But try telling that to some! That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
This Typewriter Rodeo poem harkens back to a time when putting together a collection of songs took a lot of work — and was really something special.
Fewer pandemic restrictions on travel mean more Texans are hitting the roads or the skies this summer. Whether it’s a trip to see family or to get away from them — this Typewriter Rodeo poem suggests it’s a different way to rediscover ourselves and one another.
Many of our furry friends have gotten rather used to lifestyles that involve more time at hope and, often, more time with them. Now that schools, business, and social venues are further opening, they’re making adjustments too.
Tremendous population growth in Texas and a fiery hot housing market have many people feeling a bit overwhelmed. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Opening up, going out, meeting up. Many of us haven’t used those phrases or experienced those situations much before now. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
As pandemic restrictions lesson and many feel safer traveling and gathering at homes, schools, and workplaces we’re also seeing the return of something familiar: traffic. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Many people have reconnected or developed new connections with nature during the pandemic. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
More vaccinated people means more people getting together safely. Often, for the first time in many months. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s the time of year when you might need dodge a hanging caterpillar while out for a walk or in the backyard. And you may need to check your clothes to make sure you don’t bring a stowaway with you back inside. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
A rare and beautiful phenomenon: not just a full moon but a “supermoon” — and a pink one at that. Everyone was talking about it. Except you. Because, heck, you look at the moon all the time and you forgot this one was supposed to be special. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Call them lightning bugs or fireflies — whatever you prefer they are sign of warmer weather in Texas. This Typewriter Rodeo poem was inspired by a listener request.
As more people are vaccinated against COVID-19 and states lift restrictions, life is beginning to look a bit more like the old “normal.” But there were lessons from the pandemic that some hope we take with us into the future. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
For many, pandemic times have meant a lot of extra time relying on the Internet — connecting for work, for school, or for various appointments. Many of us have also experienced the frustration of a not-so reliable Internet connection. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The vaccine rollout began with a very small group and has, at this point, expanded in Texas to everyone who is at least 16 years-old. More and more, people know others who have been vaccinated. More and more, the potential for the return to a “more normal” life looks possible. That was the inspiration for […]
It’s been a year now since initial lockdown measures in much of the United States. A year of evaluating everything through the prism of coronavirus risk. A year of job loss, community loss, lives lost. How do you measure a year? That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
One of the sacrifices many have made during the pandemic is giving up in-person visits to relatives. Now, as vaccine distribution broadens and testing is readily available, some are breaking the long drought. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The pandemic has impacted our lives on every level. Most of the impacts have been devastating — even deadly. But for those with the privilege to embrace a forced slowing down, there are also silver linings. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the recent winter storm in Texas have compounded the anxiety and helplessness many feel. Still, there are always moments of joy — no matter how small. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texans have been suffering this week in the prolonged bitter cold, without power and without water. This Typewriter Rodeo poem is recognition of that suffering combined with the hope we continue to help each other through it.
The pandemic has affected the way we celebrate events and holidays. This Typewriter Rodeo poem imagines what might be possible if the limitations of COVID-19 were not in the way.
The pandemic was never welcome. More than a year in, it has worn on in so many ways — including on those who are tasked with trying to produce art during it. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The distribution of a vaccine is providing some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. While that light is still in the distance and what we’ll find when we get to it is still unknown, this Typewriter Rodeo poem is focused on the hope of drawing nearer to it.
For the first time in United States history, a woman occupies the second highest position in government. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s collectively been a tough week, months, nearly a year. This Typewriter Rodeo poem is a reminder to focus for a moment on your own humanity.
The events of this day will go down in history. How will we remember them? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It has been a bit of a rough year. Some might say, “dumpster fire.” This Typewriter Rodeo poem is a (not-so-fond) farewell.
It’s been said many times over that 2020 has been a tough year. This Typewriter Rodeo poem is a reminder to be kind to yourself.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a widespread economic impact. Many small businesses have had to close their doors. This Typewriter Rodeo poem remembers one.
The ongoing reckoning over racism in the United States inspired this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Coronavirus cases are on the rise in almost every part of the country. And even as holidays approach and pandemic fatigue wears on, experts caution it’s best to stay at home as much as possible. So what to do? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The phrase is a regular part of our vocabulary by now. And though for some it is tempting to break the social distancing bubble, for others, it’s a very welcome health guidance because it fits with their personal tendencies. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The weather has changed. The sights and smells of a new season bring with them memories of seasons past. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Risk, isolation, and grief are experiences that have been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spending some time to recognize the small things, even if painful or negative, was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The months of limited travel and social gatherings during the pandemic have meant more time at home and, for many, more time in the kitchen. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
With everything going on in the world, the simplest and yet most miraculous thing is also still happening: new life is joining us. This Typewriter Rodeo poem was requested by a Texas Standard listener.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many families and friends to keep their distance — even at times when a hug is really needed. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died September 18. She is remembered as a force in the legal community — staunchly working towards gender equality. She was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how many work, go to school, socialize, shop, and so much more. But other things aren’t that different. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The COVID-19 pandemic has limited travel for many. Some have found more time spent at home has encouraged them to look closer at their surroundings. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
In the age of social distancing, some traditional ways of greeting one another have fallen to the wayside. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The pandemic is isolating in many ways but it is also providing opportunity for a new kind of closeness. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Students are headed back to school. For many, that’s in a virtual way. For almost all, it’s different than last fall. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The pandemic and its toll on lives and livelihoods cause many to feel strong negative emotions: fear, anger, stress, depression. Those feelings are valid. But a reminder from a dream version of one iconic Texan might be just what some need in these dark moments. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
In a period of high unemployment and great risks with some in-person work, being able to connect remotely is a privilege. But it’s not always without its problems. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The pandemic has left many people spending a lot more time at home. Dogs may have originally been excited about this turn of events — but now some may be ready for a break from their humans. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Some might usually be on a summer trip this time of year, visiting friends or family, or at least taking advantage of summer activities such as going to the community pool. Those options are fewer this year. Instead, many are spending extra time at home. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The everyday looks different for everybody right now. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 listener Sarah Garrett requested a poem about a phoenix rising up and overcoming adversity and hardship.
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.
Many Texans are celebrating Ramadan differently this year than in the past. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
They say sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
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.
Most Texas students are finishing the 2019-2020 school year online — at least as much as possible. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Many Texans are out of work right now. Others continue with what’s deemed essential business. And others still are trying to maintain duties that used to be done in an office — but is now being attempted at home. That third category was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
We always knew the roles of doctors and nurses were important. But, in the midst of a pandemic, they are being revealed even more as true heroes. That was the inspiration for this poem.
As COVID-19 has spread around the world, it has led to changes many have begun calling the new normal. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
This Typewriter Rodeo poem was made based on a listener request. Share your ideas on social media or email TexasStandard@KUT.org.
Texas leads the country in wind energy production — and more wind turbines are popping up across the Lone Star landscape all the time. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
This poem was made by request. You can share your ideas for the Typewriter Rodeo on social media or by emailing TexasStandard@KUT.org.
This Typewriter Rodeo poem came by request. If you have an idea for a poem, let Texas Standard know on social media or email TexasStandard@KUT.org.
Sometimes it seems like movies are getting longer — or perhaps it’s that our ability to make it through the movie without a quick run to the restroom is getting weaker. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
2019 brings with it something extra special — an extra day in February! What will you do with it? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Do you keep it in the fridge? Or are you a table butter person? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
This Typewriter Rodeo poem was inspired by a story shared by a Texas Standard listener. Share your ideas on social media or email TexasStandard@kut.org.
They are trendy these days — but they have long been a Tex-Mex favorite. And they were the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
There are two primary ways to become a Texan: be born here or get here as fast as you can. This Typewriter Rodeo poem is for the newest natives.
Cats — we know — can be fickle creatures. Grouchy? That’s arguable. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
You know the feeling. Your calendar is full of them when you get a notification about another. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Some folks just don’t like pants — even in the dead of winter. This Typewriter Rodeo poem is inspired by them.
Texas has inspired many a singer-songwriter. So if you’re traveling across the state, you might consider listening to what others have seen on those wide-open roads. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Some argue Texas doesn’t really have seasons — though that may depend on which part of Texas you call home. Still, a season almost all Texans share despite the weather: construction season. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It took its time to get here — but that fall feeling is now in full swing. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The impeachment inquiry hearings going on this week have been a reminder that many of us are using different words — including some Latin ones — than we have in the past. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
A cold front has cooled much of Texas — at least temporarily. One way to celebrate the fall temperatures is with a bowl of soup. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Halloween costumes often reflect the news cycle. When that happens, the results can be disturbing. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Fossils might be right under your feet. It’s just a matter of looking in the right place at the right time. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Almost every Texas town has at least one — and they happen almost any time of the year. So, really, it’s always “festival season” in the Lone Star State. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Going to a dog park can be a singular experience for a human — let alone a dog. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The last crops of the season are being plucked from gardens across Texas — at least if human gardeners can get to them before the other creatures! That’s the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
A lot of boots have life left in them after they’ve been grown out of, discarded, or left behind by their original owners. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Did you get married outdoors in the Texas heat? Have you attended an outdoor wedding in the Texas summer months? This Typewriter Rodeo poem is for you.
The heat is still on for much of Texas. For those of us with indoor jobs or school, it can be surprising how warm it remains even late in the day. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The kids may be back in school — but both the calendar and the temperatures still say summer. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The public releases of Kemp’s ridley sea turtle hatchlings just wrapped up for the year. The annual ritual draws many to the Texas Gulf Coast. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s that time of the year — students are heading back to class and so is their stuff. That’s the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The deadly shooting at an El Paso Walmart devastated that community, Texas, and the country as a whole. El Pasoan Oscar Garcia requested this poem.
They are a sound of summer for many Texans and they were the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It is already almost August?! Didn’t summer just begin?! That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
July of 2019 marks the 50th Anniversary of man’s first steps on the moon. It’s an accomplishment many still can’t fully comprehend. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Do you ever see a headline about a new discovery in space? It seems so exciting — so extraordinary — but is your mind even capable of really understanding? That’s the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
A Texas road trip often isn’t without at least one sighting of these mileposts of sorts. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Summer theatre, despite the heat, is a tradition in many parts of Texas. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Summer storms can be quick and devastating. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Sometimes you get a bagger at the grocery store who seems to read your mind and put things exactly where you want them. Sometimes you don’t. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s hot. Texas hot. But Fido doesn’t seem to care. That’s the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s all sunshine and good times until you discover you’ve brushed up against a patch of poison ivy. This Typewriter poem commemorates those times when you take a bit of nature home with you – the kind you definitely don’t want.
This Typewriter Rodeo poem is for all the ‘Game Of Thrones’ fans who just don’t know what they’re going to do with themselves on Sunday nights now that the show has concluded.
Have you ever looked at a list of animal group names? Animal scientists clearly had so much fun coming up with them! That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
No matter how careful you are, it can be an inevitability on Texas roads. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The Texas Legislature is considering changes to school standards. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
You boiled the egg, you dyed the egg, you hid the egg — and you didn’t find the egg for a week. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s the time of year when many high schoolers are donning suits and dresses to attend the big dance. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The days are getting warmer and the attire is getting shorter. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Students across Texas are prepping for the statewide standardized test known as the STAAR. That was the inspiration for this poem.
It seems every week a new candidate is announcing plans to seek office in 2020. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Something got you itching? Could be a bug, an allergy — or perhaps it’s just that person over there. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
My inbox is currently showing 525 unread messages. What’s yours? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
You’re in the deli department and you hear a tweet — but not the king that came from a phone. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Sometimes you just need to write yourself a little reminder — or two — or two dozen. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s the season for sneezin’ — and that was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
A couple weeks back, Texas Standard did a story on urban coyotes. The story was about the animal but, for some, it also prompted a few images of hipsters — that was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Chocolate is nice, wine is great — but what do most folks really want for Valentine’s Day? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas lawmakers have reconvened at the State Capitol Building for the start of the 86th Legislative Session. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The ongoing partial government shutdown is causing frustration on both sides of the aisle and causing major problems in the lives of many. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Dockless scooters: like ’em or hate ’em, they’re everywhere these days, and are likely here to stay because tech companies refuse to stop “disrupting” the way we get around. While they can be fun for a quick whirl around town, they also go faster than some expect when they first hop on, which has led […]
Do you sometimes feel like a strawberry in a sea of burnt orange? Or a golden nugget in a crowd of blue and silver? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Many of us threaten to do it, but most don’t go through with quitting Facebook. Leaving the social media site that connects us virtually with so many people can sometimes leave us feeling even more isolated, but it just might be what we need to feel more connected in real life. That was the inspiration […]
How do you celebrate? Or do you? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s the time of the year when families get together across the miles, across the generations, and across the political spectrum. For better or for worse, that was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
We think they’re good for our pups, protecting them from their own urges to lick or scratch. But plastic cones are far less fun – and let’s face it, they’re confusing – for those pooches who have to don them after a visit to the vet.
Instagram and iPhones have made everyone a photographer. But some folks, and one Texas Standard listener in particular, get more pleasure out of the old ways of taking photos. This Typewriter Rodeo poem is for Rick.
For many folks around Texas, allergies are a year-round problem. This Typewriter Rodeo poem is for them.
The intimacy of the medium of radio was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The sweater you wore to work has you sweating by the end of the day. Next morning, you’re looking for a winter coat behind the tank tops in your closet. Yep, it’s November in the Lone Star State.
Some trees in Texas never really lose their leaves — but others are shedding dramatically right now. The inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem came from what some neighbors may do with those leaves.
Don your face paint, costumes and masks for Halloween, but don’t forget that it’s not always movie monsters or villains that are the scariest ghouls to haunt our waking days. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The Typewriter Rodeo takes requests — and this one came from a Texas Standard listener training for a marathon.
In some places, fall means colorful leaves, warm jackets or even a coat of frost on pumpkins in the patch. In Texas, it means we get to turn of the air conditioning?
As newscasters and other political junkies are fond of pointing out, only a few weeks remain until November’s midterm elections. And fewer reamin until the deadline to register to vote. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
You know the feeling, you need to use an app or a piece of software and, suddenly, you encounter a big, legal document asking for your consent. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas has had a rare streak of rainy days lately. So what to do when it’s wet outside? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Sometimes, a kid needs permission to feel sad for awhile. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Modern technology can reveal secrets of the DNA that forms us, sometimes yielding surprises.
When it’s 100 degrees in the shade, most folks look for a cool drink or two. But if you’re a Texan, you’ll also want something to eat with that – something spicy and cheesy and delicious. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
School is about to start up again. Parents feel one way about that, students feel another, and teachers feel yet another. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Is it possible to manifest cooler weather? To will it into being during the long summer months in Texas? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
There aren’t a lot of things in this world that are free — except, sometimes, work coffee. But is it really free? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
For a moment, you might think there has been an unfortunate accident. But, upon closer inspection, you realize: that critter is not dead — it’s simply trying to cool off in the Texas heat! That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
If you’re someone with an oral fixation, you’ll relate to the panic felt when someone asks to borrow a writing utensil. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It was gone way before you got there, all that’s left are clues — and smells. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Getting your car clean feels great: not just because it looks nice, or even because the car wash is cool on a summer day. Sometimes, the very act of entering a sudsy, rainbow-colored space is its own reward. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Did you ever reach up onto a shelf in a back yard storage shed, or get too close to the eaves of the house while standing on a ladder? Chances are you’ve met a few daddy long legs. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Hundreds of thousands of Texans have been fasting this month in honor of Ramadan. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The temperatures are hot in Texas — time to jump into a cold body of water. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texans tend to love the shape of Texas — and to buy items, including food, in that shape. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s feeling like summer — time for a Texas road trip. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Some students in Texas are taking the state’s standardized tests. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s that time of year when just breathing can be challenging in Texas. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Those loud, black birds are infamous across Texas — and they were the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
In Texas, it’s that time of year when everything is blooming and it’s pretty hard to drive right by without stopping. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
You can see the box of pizza or donuts in the break room. The scent draws you to it and you open it with anticipation — only to find crumbs and a dirty butter knife. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Maybe you’re the type who has one password for every account. But, if you’re like us, you have a few that you alternate between — and remembering which one goes to which account can be maddening. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Antique stores dot the Texas landscape – often taking over old gas stations or restaurants – and filled past the brim with the belongings of yesteryear. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
When you ask for “tea” when ordering in Texas, people make assumptions about what exactly you mean. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
When’s the last time you were without your phone? It seems they’re always with us. In fact, maybe you’re reading Typewriter Rodeo on your phone…right now.
We all have friends who seem to have the perfect life — at least on social media. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
It’s primary season here in Texas. The Lone Star State has among the lowest voter turnout rates in the country – so here’s a poem for those of you who are heading to the polls.
Cliches notwithstanding, not every old person is wise and kind, nor is every young one thoughtless or callow. Personality and brains, or lack of them, often stick around throughout one’s life. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The 2018 Winter Olympics are officially underway in South Korea. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
The feline mind is a mystery, even to those to choose to have cats around. But you have to admit – it’s never dull. That is the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.