Be True

John reads a passage of The Souls of Black folk, by W.E.B. DuBois. He discusses the Supreme Court’s vile, racist decision in Louisiana vs. Callais, and the persistence of the color line in America.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer, and editor, taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a national language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—he reads and discusses “the writing he loves and the writing he does.”www.johntessitore.comSubstack: @johntessitore YouTube: @johntessitore6366Instagram: @jtessitorewriter1 TikTok: @jtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, Writer Threads: @jtessitorewriterBlueSky: @jtessitore.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

To celebrate spring, John reads “Pomegranate,” a poem by D.H. Lawrence. He also discusses the beauty of...the birds and the bees, the hypocrisy of our species, stupid euphemisms, and The Beach Boys.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer, and editor, taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a national language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—he reads and discusses “the writing he loves and the writing he does.”www.johntessitore.comSubstack: @johntessitore YouTube: @johntessitore6366Instagram: @jtessitorewriter1 TikTok: @jtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, Writer Threads: @jtessitorewriterBlueSky: @jtessitore.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads an excerpt from his novella, Thy Brother’s Blood. He also discusses our daily abuse of the environment, the trouble with podcast fiction, Marshall McLuhan, and the return of his dog Luna.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer, and editor, taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a national language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—he reads and discusses “the writing he loves and the writing he does.”www.johntessitore.comSubstack: @johntessitore YouTube: @johntessitore6366Instagram: @jtessitorewriter1 TikTok: @jtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, Writer Threads: @jtessitorewriterBlueSky: @jtessitore.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus. He also discusses his memories of the centennial of the Statue of Liberty, current conflicts between asylum and militarism, and a morality we can share.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and two novellas. He has been a journalist, biographer, and editor, taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a national language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—he reads and discusses “the writing he loves and the writing he does.”www.johntessitore.comSubstack: @johntessitore YouTube: @johntessitore6366Instagram: @jtessitorewriter1 TikTok: @jtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, Writer Threads: @jtessitorewriterBlueSky: @jtessitore.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John records his first visit to the Greek capital and watches from abroad as the United States loses its soul. He also reads passages of The Libation Bearers, by Aeschylus, and communes with Socrates.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist, biographer, and editor, taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a national language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—he reads and discusses “the writing he loves and the writing he does.”www.johntessitore.com Substack: @johntessitore YouTube: @johntessitore6366Instagram: @jtessitorewriter1 TikTok: @jtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, Writer Threads: @jtessitorewriterBlueSky: @jtessitore.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads a passage from Atomic Backfires, a new book he helped edit. He discusses childish nuclear politics, war in Iran, good intentions and unintended consequences, and the importance of research.Atomic Backfires: When Nuclear Policies Fail, is available, open-access, at https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-edited-volume/6076/Atomic-BackfiresWhen-Nuclear-Policies-Fail. It is also available in hard copy at https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262051859/atomic-backfires/.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist, biographer, and editor, taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a national language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—he reads and discusses “the writing he loves and the writing he does.”www.johntessitore.comSubstack: @johntessitore YouTube: @johntessitore6366Instagram: @jtessitorewriter1 TikTok: @jtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, Writer Threads: @jtessitorewriterBlueSky: @jtessitore.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads the opening of his brand new novella, Thy Brother’s Blood. He also discusses the virtues of resistance, surprising fiction, the challenges of being human, and why it’s good to be uncertain.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist and biographer, taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a national language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—he reads and discusses “the writing he loves and the writing he does.”www.johntessitore.comSubstack: @johntessitore YouTube: @johntessitore6366Instagram: @jtessitorewriter1 TikTok: @jtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, Writer Threads: @jtessitorewriterBlueSky: @jtessitore.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads excerpts of his poem “Prophesy II,” from his chapbook Apocrypha. He also discusses poetry in a time of war, the mysticism of the writing process, his literary Catholicism, and David Bowie.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist and biographer, taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a national language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—he reads and discusses “the writing he loves and the writing he does.”www.johntessitore.comSubstack: @johntessitore YouTube: @johntessitore6366Instagram: @jtessitorewriter1 TikTok: @jtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, Writer Threads: @jtessitorewriterBlueSky: @jtessitore.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John discusses his recent visit to Capitol Hill with a group of high school students, the new challenges of being young in the U.S. (and the world) in 2026, and how kids are treated as expendables.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, and he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist and biographer, taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a national language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—he reads and discusses “the writing he loves and the writing he does.”www.johntessitore.com Substack: @johntessitore YouTube: @johntessitore6366Instagram: @jtessitorewriter1 TikTok: @jtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, Writer Threads: @jtessitorewriterBlueSky: @jtessitore.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads Walt Whitman’s poem, “Vigil Strange I Kept on the Field One Night,” a battlefield vignette about the true costs of war, a tragic poem for a dangerous time.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, and he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist and biographer, taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a national language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—he reads and discusses “the writing he loves and the writing he does.”www.johntessitore.comSubstack: @johntessitore YouTube: @johntessitore6366Instagram: @jtessitorewriter1 TikTok: @jtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, Writer Threads: @jtessitorewriterBlueSky: @jtessitore.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads “Emotions,” a poem by the 12th century Chinese poet Li Qingzhao. He discusses global burnout, the desire for a sense of peace (however temporary), and echoes of Wordsworth and Dickinson.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, and he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist and biographer, taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a national language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—he reads and discusses “the writing he loves and the writing he does.”www.johntessitore.com Substack: @johntessitore YouTube: @johntessitore6366Instagram: @jtessitorewriter1 TikTok: @jtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, Writer Threads: @jtessitorewriterBlueSky: @jtessitore.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads a monologue from Henrik Ibsen’s play “An Enemy of the People.” He discusses partisan corruption, the end of right and truth, and rereading Ibsen as Minneapolis became a battleground.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, and he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist and biographer, taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a national language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—he reads and discusses “the writing he loves and the writing he does.”www.johntessitore.com Substack: @johntessitore YouTube: @johntessitore6366Instagram: @jtessitorewriter1 TikTok: @jtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, Writer Threads: @jtessitorewriterBlueSky: @jtessitore.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads the lyrics to the Cuban folk song “Guantanamera.” He discusses its composition, the distinguished history of political refugees in the U.S., and why the poet José Marti was a bad bunny.John Tessitore is a writer, poet, and liberal arts advocate. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals, and he has published several chapbooks and a novella. He has been a journalist and biographer, taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a national language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press.In each episode of Be True—available on most major podcast platforms—he reads and discusses “the writing he loves and the writing he does.”www.johntessitore.com Substack: @johntessitore YouTube: @johntessitore6366Instagram: @jtessitorewriter1 Facebook: JohnTessitore, Writer Threads: @jtessitorewriterBlueSky: @jtessitore.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

In this short episode, John discusses the always-embattled freedom of the press, as enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and the colonial-era trial of John Peter Zenger.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems, or a poem he loves.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, Writer This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

A vision of a post-Trump future posing as an argument for linguistic diversity, educational inclusivity, and the recognition of heritage language communities as a vital national resource.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems, or a poem he loves.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, Writer This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

What a recently-discovered Hittite tablet says about the past, present, and future of the humanities and the embattled values of humanism for an America that has lost its way.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems, or a poem he loves.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

To celebrate Halloween, John reads his poem “An Evening with M. Poe,” a dramatic monologue and fictionalized episode in the gory, spooky life of Edgar Allan Poe.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems, or a poem he loves.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads the second half of The Declaration of Independence. He discusses the almost-unbelievable echoes of the American Revolution today, the genius of Thomas Jefferson, and the rights we defend.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads his poem “International Relations.” He discusses the virtues of reason, the scholarly method, the religion of humanism, what happens when the old ways fail to match new realities.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads "The City," a poem by C.P. Cavafy. He also discusses the universal immigrant experience, the inescapability of the past, and why we identify with people on the run, if we're honest.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads “Chicago,” a poem by Carl Sandburg. He also discusses the changing fashions of American literature, and the dangers of cynicism, and celebrates the complicated diversity of American cities.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads "There's a certain slant of light," a poem by Emily Dickinson. He also discusses the joy of experiencing poetry rather than explaining poetry, and (bonus!) does a bad Bob Dylan impression.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads the poem "Thy Brother's Blood" by Jones Very. He also discusses the poetry of transcendence, voices of outcasts, the tradition of American messiahs, and the future of American weirdness.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads Queen Hecuba's speech of mourning from The Trojan Women, a play by Euripides. He also discusses the fear that drives violence, power's war on children, and why protest is always too late.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads his poem "Salvator Mundi." He also discusses the challenges of faith and authenticity, the world's most expensive painting, the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci, and the mystery of being human.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads “Returning, We Hear the Larks,” a poem by Isaac Rosenberg, written during World War I. He also discusses the heroism of immigrants, the challenges of “identity,” and surviving a war zone.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads two poems by Langston Hughes, "Summer Night" and "Poem for Youth." He also discusses marginalization, the silent invisibility of the powerless, and the human yearning for freedom and joy.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads a passage from William Blake's poem "America: A Prophecy." He discusses early hopes for the U.S., weird freedoms, our distance from the original ideal, and the return of the Lizard King.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads his poem "The Yearning Heart is Authentic," from his new chapbook Offering. He also discusses the need for spiritual renewal, the dark energy of the West, Zen monks, and St. Francis.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads from his first long poem/chapbook I Sit At This Desk and Dream. He also discusses what has changed since he wrote it, including the increasing violence and corruption of social media.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

In this milestone episode, John reads "Tuning," a poem about cultivating new ways to exist in (and perhaps rehabilitate) a damaged society...from a forthcoming collection about peace and renewal.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

In this ghastly episode, John rediscovers and reads Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, “The Sphinx,” a Gothic tale of paranoia, privilege, and pandemic. Sound familiar?John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John speaks with Claire Thom, founding editor-in-chief of The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press, about creating an international literary community, the power of poems, the importance of giving, and…hope.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

In a time of unrest, John reads a speech from William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. He also discusses the fatal flaws of tyrants and what Milton, Voltaire, Paine, George Lucas, and the Bible share.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads William Shakespeare's Sonnet 129, "Th'expense of spirit in a waste of shame." He also discusses orgasmic poetry, Texas stupidity, Euripides, Dionysus, and a great Norm MacDonald joke.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads Amy Lowell’s poem “The Weather-Cock Points South.” He also discusses the recent wave of book-banning and repression, the universality of sex, and his pleasure in taunting the censors.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreYouTube: @johntessitore6366Substack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Blue Sky: @jtessitore.bsky.socialFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

In this special episode, John reveals a bit of his origin story and describes why the government fears universities, why universities are defined by dissent, and why Harvard really is Hogwarts.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreSubstack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Facebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1YouTube: @johntessitore6366 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads a section of his poem/chapbook "For a minute there, it seemed like something was happening." He also discusses graduation season, balancing fear and risk, and breaking free from the past.John Tessitore has been a journalist, editor, and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston, managed national policy studies on education and civil justice, and directs a language-education association. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreSubstack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Facebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1YouTube: @johntessitore6366 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

In this special episode, John examines the role of poetry and fiction in our era, discusses new challenges for independent creators, and asks how his own writing and podcast can serve the culture.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreSubstack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Facebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1YouTube: @johntessitore6366 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads a passage of The Jungle, a novel by Upton Sinclair. He also discusses the importance of muckraking fiction, the hazards of government deregulation, and the actual survival of our society.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreSubstack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Facebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1YouTube: @johntessitore6366 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads his poem "Hopespring" on the third anniversary of the Wee Sparrow Poetry Press, and discusses the need for hope, international collaboration, and positive action in a profoundly stupid era.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreSubstack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1Facebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1YouTube: @johntessitore6366 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads his poem “Agapetos” from his chapbook Apocrypha. He also discusses the vulnerable in times of struggle, the relationship between poetry and religion, and the humility of John the Apostle. John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreSubstack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1TikTok: @JtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads a passage from his chapbook-length poem Terminal D. He also discusses the global warming of air travel, Extinction Rebellion, and civil disobedience in Henry David Thoreau’s backyard.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreSubstack: @johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1TikTok: @JtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

In this special episode, John discusses the fight to save the humanities, his experiences as a traveling salesman of humanism, and what George Lucas, John Lithgow, and Yo-Yo Ma all have in common. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads a passage from Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He also discusses the tricks of conscience, the fight for human dignity and decency, and a masterful speech by Conan O’Brien.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1TikTok: @JtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterBluesky: @jtessitorewriter.bksy.socialThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads his poem “Testimony,” recently published in the journal Canary—a poem that says everything he wants to say right now about spring, and nature, and awe, and humility.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1TikTok: @JtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterBluesky: @jtessitorewriter.bksy.socialThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads his poem “The First March” from his collection The Americans. He also discusses the challenges of protest and the devaluation of language in an age of slogans, algorithms, AI, and big data.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: https://ko-fi.com/johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1TikTok: @JtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterBluesky: @jtessitorewriter.bksy.socialThreads: @jtessitorewriter1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads "In Memoriam, July 19, 1914," a poem by Anna Akhmatova. He also discusses the absurdities of war, witnesses to history, people as commodities, and writers who stay and fight.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: ko-fi.com/johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1TikTok: @JtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterBluesky: @jtessitorewriter.bsky.socialThreads: @jtessitorewriter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads from his poem/pamphlet “From Eyes Stricken.” He also discusses writing in a trance, American literature in crisis, the poems of Czeslaw Milosz, and feeling like it’s now or never.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: ko-fi.com/johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1TikTok: @JtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterBluesky: @jtessitorewriter.bsky.socialThreads: @jtessitorewriter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe

John reads his poem “Iscariot” from his chapbook Apocrypha. He also discusses the importance of being honest, the slow creep of corruption, and tosses in a little Velvet Underground for good measure.John Tessitore has been a journalist and biographer. He has taught history and literature at colleges around Boston and directed national policy studies on education and civil justice. He serves as Co-Editor Across the Pond for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. His poems have appeared in a variety of books and journals. In each episode of Be True, he reads and discusses one of his published poems.www.johntessitore.comSupport Be True: ko-fi.com/johntessitoreInstagram: @jtessitorewriter1TikTok: @JtessitorewriterFacebook: JohnTessitore, WriterBluesky: @jtessitorewriter.bsky.socialThreads: @jtessitorewriter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johntessitore.substack.com/subscribe