The Street

“To Television” by Robert Pinsky (1998)

Pinsky has said that he likes television and that it has enriched him and others. In this ode, the speaker explores what television has created for people in general and for their family specifically. They recount an anecdote about observing their father and sister watching television while their mother was not well.

This poem demonstrates Pinsky's affinity for common, popular culture, but as in “The Street,” he relates his modern experience with television back to Greek mythology and history, comparing the television to the Greek god Hermes, who has winged sandals.

“Samurai Song” by Robert Pinsky (2000)

This poem demonstrates Pinsky’s versatility as a poet. Unlike in “The Street” and many of Pinsky’s other pieces, this is a persona poem. It is written from the voice of a Samurai explaining how they survive harsh conditions, both physical and mental. It is one of Pinsky’s shorter poems, but like his longer ones it makes use of rhythm and sound devices to establish musicality.

“Street Music” by Robert Pinsky (2015)

In this filmed performance of Pinsky reading “Street Music,” viewers can understand Pinsky’s aesthetic, which relies on sound devices and musicality to create a poem that is pleasurable to listen to.