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 II.

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 II.

Giant Cacti

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.

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.

Early Morning Haze

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.

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.

Turtle Crossing

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 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.

Ode to Summer

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 Rodeo poem.

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 Rodeo poem.

Ode to an Austin Icon

It’s hot. Want to drink something cold? Many Texans turn to snow cones. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

It’s hot. Want to drink something cold? Many Texans turn to snow cones. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

Snow Cones

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 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.

Drought Rain

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 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.

Good News

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.

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.

Leaving (Maybe) on a Jet Plane

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.

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.

Grackle

Poems written by the Typewriter Rodeo about all matters from a uniquely Texas perspective.

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 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 Great Resignation

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.

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.

An Edit Button on Twitter

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.

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.

Uvalde (by way of Encanto)

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 Chase Brooke.

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 Chase Brooke.

Nesting Bluebirds

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 did not provide a true test of the grid infrastructure — but a very hot summer could. Texas Standard listener Katy Manck requested this poem.

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 did not provide a true test of the grid infrastructure — but a very hot summer could. Texas Standard listener Katy Manck requested this poem.

The Texas Power Grid

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.

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.

SCOTUS

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 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.

Belated Eggs

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.

To wrap up National Poetry Month, Texas Standard is collecting your short poems about Texas. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem. <a href="https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/share-your-poem-about-texas-with-us/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to record your poem here and we may use it on the radio.

Everyday Poets

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.

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.

Gas Prices

This Typewriter Rodeo poem came to us via listener request. Matthew Koontz suggested the topic “no governing, just culture wars.” This is the result.

This Typewriter Rodeo poem came to us via listener request. Matthew Koontz suggested the topic “no governing, just culture wars.” This is the result.

Culture Wars

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