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First Fifty Pages

Transcending These Times: A Conversation with Poet Tracy K Smith.

By Jenn Delperdang,

Kelsey Patterson

Published November 7, 2025 at 9:22 AM CST

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Photograph of poet Tracy K Smith — Tracy K Smith

In this episode, former Poet Laureate Tracy K Smith talks with Jenn and Kelsey about the power of poetry to connect us with people and places outside of our lived experiences, to tell the story of humanity, and to build durable life skills. Slow down, listen, and feel. You’ll be glad you did.

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