Makes the great American poet relevant for today's audience. Captures the voices of poets, scholars, and average New Yorkers to understand why his poetry still matters. Generous helpings of Whitman's poetry. Vital, engaging.

This highly produced hour exploring the life and poetry of Walt Whitman gleams with polish and light. Narrated by writer Carl Hancock Rux, "Song of Myself," delves into the poet's liberating language, the rhythms of his beloved New York and the democratic view he had of the nation.

Just as Whitman's poetry flows in syncopation to life around him, so does this program move in relation to the poet. The content here is enormous and all of it is a pleasure to hear. It is exciting to hear scholars, writers, musicians, and choreographers talk about Whitman in frank ways. This includes a discussion of Whitman's sexual expression, and his longing for true intimacy, which sadly, he never achieved.

Also, the poetry readings woven into the narrative resonate so deeply that you will want to dash out, find your copy of "Leaves of Grass," and read it out loud too. I thought the producers are particularly creative when they ask people on the street to read "To A Stranger," edit it into layers of a montage and then ask the readers what the poem meant to them. Kudos to WNYC for producing the program for starters, and then for giving it verve.

Programmers should note that "Song of Myself" certainly should run during Poetry Month in April, but it can run anytime during the year. As for myself, I could hear it over and again. There is a detailed rundown of the show, along with promos that can be customized.