Theodore Roethke Reads His Most Famous Poems

Theodore Huebner Roethke (May 25, 1908 to August 1, 1963), born in Saginaw, Michigan, is regarded as one of America's most accomplished and influential poets, having won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1954 for his book The Waking, and the annual National Book Award for Poetry on two occasions. His work is characterized by a willingness to engage deeply with a multifaceted introspection, and his style was overtly rhythmic, with a skillful use of natural imagery. In this recording, Roethke discusses poetry and writing, and reads many of his most famous poems: In A Dark Time, The Waking, My Papa's Waltz, Cuttings, The Sloth, Light Listened, Dolor, Elegy For Jane, A Rouse For Stevens, The Pets, The Adamant, Once More The Round, The Happy Three.