As Michigan's first poet laureate since the 1950s, Nandi Comer spends time traveling the state meeting with students, educators and others to promote poetry.
And we knew she had a visit planned to Interlochen.
At the same time, a senior at Interlochen Arts Academy named Paige Cook became Michigan’s champion in the statewide “Poetry Out Loud” recitation competition. They will represent Michigan at the national competition in Washington, D.C.
The two of them met for the first time at the state "Poetry Out Loud" competition.
And they re-met in our studios to talk about poetry, finding your voice, and more. Listen to their conversation, which begins with Comer reading a poem from her book, "Tapping Out."
You’ll hear Comer use the term “ars poetica.” That’s a poem that explains the art of poetry.

This conversation was edited for time. Versions of it were also heard on IPR News Radio and in our “Up North Lowdown” podcast.