It's with great sadness that I have to convey to you news of the death of the fine English poet Adrian Mitchell. Adrian was also my friend and collaborator and much celebrated in these programs. He was a poet of commitment who fought against the degrading of freedom and of the environment wherever he found it - and he found it in many places because he was very aware of the international situation. He will be an important voice lost to the world.
Sadly too, I have to tell you that the economic crisis has brought to an end Poem for Today's funding and it will have to stop being aired at the end of this month.
I would love to keep it going but it costs a considerable amount to make and I am penniless myself ...
There is, of course, a five-year catalogue of programs, so you may be able to persuade the station to re-broadcast them - or contact this site for specific shows/poems you would like to hear again. Over the years we've built up a substantial library of work and are always willing to help with your poetic searches.
We have a number of December-specific poems from American and British writers, together with many Christmas poems new to the show. Among birthdays we celebrate Carol Ann Duffy - hotly tipped to be the next Poet Laureate - Edward Arlington Robinson and Kenneth Rexroth, Philip Larkin, Rainer Maria Rilke and many more - truly a poetic feast.
Have an enjoyable poetic Christmas despite the frosty financial situation - and let's hope the New Year will bring us all better fortune ....
PROGRAMS 
