Morning Edition

When was the last time you picked up a pen and composed a letter to a friend or a family member? NPR's poet in residence Kwame Alexander wants you to share a poem in letter form.

Over the past 32 years, Morning Edition has broadcast a reading of the Declaration of Independence by NPR staff as a way of marking Independence Day. This year, we also offer some historical context.

As we celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Morning Edition asks for you to write a poem that starts with the words "I dream a world."

In 2015, then-9-year-old Aiden Sykes asks his father, Albert, some of the heavy questions — and gets some meaningful words in return. "My dream is for you to live out your dreams," Albert tells him.

Morning Edition is asking for poems reacting to the death of Ahmaud Arbery, a black man shot and killed while jogging in Glynn County, Ga. Create one based on how you feel in this moment.

Have you had a New Year's resolution that only lasted a few days? Tell us about it in a couplet — a short and sweet poem with two lines that rhyme.

The holiday tradition continues. Writer David Sedaris reads from his "Santaland Diaries," recounting his time spent working as a Macy's department store elf named Crumpet.

Poet Kwame Alexander creates a poem from submissions about tennis, baseball, ballet, track, football, basketball and hockey, as well as themes of winning and losing and technique and talent.

NPR's Rachel Martin and poet-in-residence Kwame Alexander want to read your poems about sports. You can use sport as a metaphor for our lives — or simply write about the game or team you love.

As Morning Edition marks its 40th anniversary, we revisit some of the show's perfect imperfections, including an appearance by Cokie Roberts' dog, Abner; a lost commentator; and some host giggles.

At age 19, Janie Bush gave birth to a daughter with a life-threatening condition and gave her up for adoption. After 12 years, Janie reconnected with Tracey Bush, who has since made a full recovery.

Morning Edition debuted on Nov. 5, 1979. The newsmagazine show had a rocky beginning, including a total revamp of hosts and leadership, an internal boycott by reporters and resource challenges.