If you’re having an album release for Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department, you obviously need to hire a typewriter poet to be there.

The party’s not complete ‘til the poets roll in.

By Zoe Branch

It’s only been a couple months since Taylor Swift announced her new album, The Tortured Poets Department — and it’s only a few weeks ‘til it drops. As a collective agency of globally based tortured poets — typewriter poets, to be exact — you can imagine that the artists who make up Ars Poetica are pretty excited. You might have seen us before on the Today Show, going viral on Tik Tok, or writing poems at your best friend’s baby shower. But how often does the opportunity come along to experience large-scale poetry-themed listening parties happening around the world? During Poetry Month, nonetheless? Sign us up.

Custom typewriter poetry is a really lovely cherry on top of any event — we specialize in weddings, corporate gatherings, storefront pop ups, and more — but in our humble opinion, there’s never been a party quite as perfect for us as the one you’re throwing to listen to TTPD.

Picture this: You’re gathered in a small space, buzzing. Maybe you have your dancing shoes on, maybe you’ve opted for a more reflective listening hat. Either way, it’s sparkly. There’s a glass of wine in your hand. You can’t believe another TSwift album has come to take over your Spotify Wrapped. Does this woman sleep? You have a thousand questions and feelings.

And there, in the corner, seated behind a gorgeous old-fashioned typewriter, looking ethereal yet approachable (and maybe in my case — a little too much like Taylor Swift herself? Who knows: you decide) is a poet. A real-life professional typewriter poet, there for the express reason to hold your feelings and questions and reflect them back to you in a moment of delight, excitement, and human connection.

And so, as you wait for the music to start, instead of looking at your phone, you do what Taylor Swift would want you to do: You walk up to the poet, and you talk to her. Give her any topic, idea, or vibe. You ask her to write an ode to your dancing shoes. You ask her to write a poem about loving Taylor Swift’s music but feeling morally gray about her private jet usage (stop doing that, girl!). You tell her that you came to the event alone and are seeking community — similar to what you found at the Era’s tour when you attended.

Right before your eyes, with just a moment of thought, the poet whips up a custom poem just for you, typed on her typewriter. It’s kind of like its own instrument playing music, and the piece of paper handed to you, your own song, your personal lyrics to take home with you from the party. It’s dedicated to you, with the date right there as well. You tuck it into your jacket pocket — you’ll be keeping it forever as a signpost of this moment.

And then you at last listen to the music, soak up the poetry of it, think of your own poem put away safe for you to read again when you get home. Should all events offer a keepsake poem? Why have you never seen this before?

The album wraps. It was amazing and interesting and surprising and so, so Taylor. You’ll have to listen to it three more times to really understand and appreciate what’s going on there — classic. And on your way out of the space, you linger: grab one more glass of wine to really savor the experience. Go over to the poet and ask what she thought, have a sweet exchange over favorites and least favorites. Get another poem while you’re at it.

On the way home, you read the poems again, TTPD playing in the background. They mark a moment in time: before the album, and after. They were written by your own personal tortured poet. They’ll be going on the fridge. No — you’ll splurge and get a frame. They are precious and exceptional and the only copy of that poem that exists in the world. Actually, they’re probably going to be worth a pretty penny one day. That poet seemed like she was on the brink of some kind of breakthrough.

But maybe that’s just because she looked a little bit like Taylor herself. Only time will tell.

Interested in procuring this fitting + singular experience for your TTPD release party? Or have a different kind of special gathering in mind that typewriter poetry would be a good fit for? Email zoe@arspoetica.us to chat with our Director of Sales and resident TSwift lookalike.

Weddings. Conferences. Festivals. Campus Events. Corporate Team Buildings. Bridal and Baby Showers. Milestone Birthdays. Remember the moment with custom poetry.