What Is the Poetry in America Substack?

Along These Lines is the official Poetry in America Substack, a new newsletter featuring essays, close readings, and conversations about poetry and its place in everyday life.

Built by the team behind Poetry in America, the Substack extends our work beyond television and classrooms—creating a space where readers can engage with Poetry in America content more directly and more frequently.

What is Along These Lines?

Along These Lines is a newsletter for anyone curious about poetry—whether you’re encountering it for the first time or returning to poems you’ve loved for years.

Start Reading Along These Lines

Regular features of the Poetry in America Substack will include:

• Grab and Go Resources: Ready-to-use discussion prompts, lesson plans, and video clips for your book club, classroom, or kitchen table.
• Reflections & Fast Takes: Founder and Host Elisa New’s personal essays on the “backstories” of our filming—from recruiting guests like Flavor Flav and Shaquille O’Neal to the quiet moments that happen when a Supreme Court Justice, a former President, or a high schooler engages with a poem.
• Season 5 Sneak Peeks: Exclusive first looks at our upcoming television season, featuring poets from Edgar Allan Poe to Rita Dove, and guests such as Diane von Furstenberg and Murray Bartlett.
• The Future of Reading: Real talk about the fate of the humanities, the role of the “classics” in a modern world, and how we can keep original writing and critical thinking alive in the age of AI.

Why Poetry in America launched a Substack

For years, Poetry in America has brought poetry to millions of viewers through public television, online courses, and K-12 curricula.

Launching a Substack allows us to:

• Share ideas more quickly and informally
• Reach readers directly in their inboxes
• Expand the range of voices and perspectives we feature

Along These Lines builds on our core belief: that poetry, and expressive language more broadly, belong to everyone.

How To Subscribe

You can read and subscribe to the Poetry in America Substack here:

Subscribe to Along These Lines

Subscriptions are free, with additional options to come as the publication grows.

About Poetry in America

Poetry in America is an educational media initiative dedicated to moving poetry beyond the page and into modern life.