Texas Standard » Typewriter Rodeo

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 […] The post Giant Cacti appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

There’s nothing unusual about long, hot Texas summers — except that this year’s severe drought has made this one feel particularly long and hot. Indeed, we did break some heat records across the state. But, wait, what’s that? Rain? A breeze? That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem. The post It’s Finally Under 100 Degrees appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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. The post Early Morning Haze appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 post Turtle Crossing appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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. The post Ode to Summer appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 […] The post Ode to an Austin Icon appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It’s hot. Want to drink something cold? Many Texans turn to snow cones. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem. The post Snow Cones appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 post Drought Rain appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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. The post Good News appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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. The post Leaving (Maybe) on a Jet Plane appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 post Grackle appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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. The post The Great Resignation appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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. The post An Edit Button on Twitter appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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. The post Uvalde (by way of Encanto) appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 […] The post Nesting Bluebirds appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 […] The post The Texas Power Grid appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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. The post Belated Eggs appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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. The post Everyday Poets appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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. The post Gas Prices appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

This Typewriter Rodeo poem came to us via listener request. Matthew Koontz suggested the topic “no governing, just culture wars.” This is the result. The post Culture Wars appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.