Hana Bajramovic reads The Idea of Order at Key West, by Wallace Stevens

Hana Bajramovic

Tom Moran reads The Waking, by Theodore Roethke

Tom Moran

Enriqueta Cano reads Sonnet XVII, by Pablo Neruda

Pablo Neruda

Jessica Cotzin reads The Lost Pilot, by James Tate

Jessica Cotzin

Emilio Aponte-Sierra reads Traveler, There Is No Road, by Antonio Machado

Antonio Machado

John Ashbery: Demure on importance of his poetry

American poet John Ashbery talks to TIME about fame, poverty, art criticism and why he hates the sound of his own voice.

John Ashbery: Love for French writers and culture

The Poet's View offers unprecedented access into the life and work of some of America's finest poets. These films are warmly insightful portraits recorded in the personal setting of each poet's home and at various locations.

The series was produced by the Academy of American Poets with generous assistance from the Wallace Stevens Fund. The director/producer was Mel Stuart, whose credits include the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and many critically acclaimed documentaries. 

The full series is available on DVD, and includes portraits of John Ashberry, Louise Gluck, Anthony Hecht, Kay Ryan, and W. S. Merwin.