Words That Burn
68 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★ - 5 ratingsExplore the compelling and intricate world of poetry with Ben, a passionate Irish enthusiast of poetry.
Journey through the labyrinth of poetic expressions and techniques one masterpiece at a time.
In each episode, Ben carefully dissects a chosen poem, providing listeners with a comprehensive guide on how to delve into poetry analysis themselves. Each detailed examination draws attention to the poet's biography, the cultural and historical context that shaped the poem's creation, and an exploration of the myriad literary techniques employed to create resonant and emotionally charged works of art.
For those yearning to expand their understanding of poetry in a soothing, accessible manner that will deepen appreciation without overwhelming, Words That Burn offers an inviting gateway.
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Episodes
An Interview with Camille Ralphs
April 11, 2024 10:41 - 29 minutes - 13.7 MBThis week on Words That Burn, I am joined by poet Camille Ralphs, whose debut collection After You Were, I Am mesmerises with its vibrant exploration of historical and mythological narratives often overlooked. In this enlightening interview, Ralphs shares the inspiration behind her compelling work, featured in esteemed publications like the New York Review of Books and the Times Literary Supplement. Discover the electrifying language and empathetic depth that animate figures from Elizabe...
Doineann by Caitlín Nic Íomhair
March 13, 2024 20:33 - 16 minutes - 37.8 MBWelcome to this special Seachtain Na Gaeilge edition of Words That Burn, where we dive deep into the heart of Irish poetry. In this episode, we explore "Doineann" by Caitlín Nic Íomhair, a poignant piece that mirrors the seasonal changes with the personal and linguistic rebirths of its narrator. Translated by the celebrated Colette Bryce for the anthology Calling Cards, this poem is not just a call for the revival of the Irish language but a testament to the enduring connection between our...
Owning Everything by Leonard Cohen
February 21, 2024 13:48 - 18 minutes - 42.7 MBEnter the poetic world of Leonard Cohen with this special episode of Words That Burn, dedicated to the transformative power of love and mysticism in Cohen's work. In this episode, we unravel the layers of "Owning Everything," a poem that captures the essence of Cohen's early poetic ventures through its intricate blend of romantic mysticism, spirituality, and the profound connections between the divine and the mundane. This is a very special episode dedicated to my gorgeous partner, Hannah. ...
Siege by Edna St. Vincent Millay
February 09, 2024 07:00 - 17 minutes - 41.2 MBOn this episode, I explore the world of Edna St. Vincent Millay, one of America's first celebrity poets. I unravel the layers of "Siege," a poem that showcases Millay's brilliant manipulation of traditional forms to express themes of desire, and the inexorable presence of death. Discover how Millay, a luminary of the 1920s, defied societal norms with her bold exploration of sexuality, politics, and the human condition, earning her a place as a pivotal figure in literary history. I take a c...
Nothing More To Lose By Najwan Darwish
January 25, 2024 07:00 - 26 minutes - 59.6 MBDonation Link: Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: http://www.ipsc.ie/support/donate On this episode of Words That Burn, I take a look at the poignant work of Palestinian poet Najwan Darwish and his devastating poem "Nothing More to Lose." This poem was written over ten years ago, but its message seems more important and contemporary today than ever before. His words explore the heart-wrenching realities of Palestinian life under occupation. The poem, expertly translated by Kareem Jam...
Outtake #3 by Susannah Dickey
January 17, 2024 13:55 - 21 minutes - 49.1 MBIn this episode, we explore Susannah Dickey’s Outtake #3, a thought-provoking piece from her debut collection, Isdal. This poem critically examines the true crime genre, questioning the ethics of deriving entertainment from real-life tragedies. Dickey’s work is inspired by the mysterious case of the Isdal Woman, weaving a narrative that challenges our fascination with true crime. Through a fictional podcast setting, the poet addresses the problematic nature of exploiting such stories for en...
Dear Reader by James Tate
January 10, 2024 07:00 - 18 minutes - 41.5 MBIn this episode of "Words That Burn," I delve into the enthralling microcosm of James Tate's poem "Dear Reader." Our journey through "Dear Reader's" 13 lines reveals the intricate layers and emotional depth that Tate, a beloved poet of the surreal, weaves into his direct dialogue with the reader. His poem is sometimes playful in tone, other times pure tongue in cheek, but always draws the reader deeper and deeper into the lines. I will look at Tate's distinct blend of suspenseful and macab...
The Deluge and The Tree by Fadwa Tuqan
November 29, 2023 19:57 - 17 minutes - 41 MBDonation Link: Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: http://www.ipsc.ie/support/donate *correction: In the episode I mistakenly say the Ireland Solidary Palestine Campaign or ISPC, it is in fact the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign or IPSC apologies for this. In this episode, we explore "The Deluge and the Tree" by the renowned Palestinian poet Fadwa Tuqan (1917-2003), a voice of defiance and hope amidst the struggles of the Palestinian people. As Palestine faces ongoing challeng...
An Interview with Irish Poet Daragh Fleming
November 08, 2023 14:22 - 28 minutes - 64.6 MBJoin us in this riveting episode of Words That Burn, where we delve into the poetic and mental health journey of Daragh Fleming, an acclaimed poet and mental health advocate from Cork, Ireland. Daragh, the voice behind the award-winning Thoughts Too Big blog and author of the poignant collection "Lonely Boy," shares his insights into how poetry serves as a bridge to mental wellness and personal expression. In this exclusive interview, Daragh opens up about the therapeutic role of poetry in ...
Halloween Special 2023
October 27, 2023 14:43 - 29 minutes - 67.4 MBWords That Burn Halloween Special 2023 Step into the shadowy world of poetry with the Words That Burn Halloween Special. This episode meticulously unravels the spine-tingling works of three legendary poets: Emily Dickinson, Linda Pastan, and Lord Alfred Tennyson. Emily Dickinson's "One Need Not Be a Chamber": Venture into the eerie corridors of the human mind, where Dickinson masterfully illustrates that the most profound hauntings come not from external specters but from our innermost fea...
An Interview with Irish Poet Jessica Traynor
October 18, 2023 12:12 - 27 minutes - 62.3 MBIn this special episode, I got a chance to chat with Irish Poet Jessica Traynor about her sequence of witch poems from her 2018 collection The Quick. Jessica Traynor is an accomplished Dublin-based poet whose work reflects her deep roots in Irish history, culture, and contemporary society. Her poetry is known for its intricate layering of personal and collective narratives, often delving into topics such as heritage, identity, the human experience, and the intersections of past and present...
The Haw Lantern by Seamus Heaney
September 27, 2023 09:51 - 16 minutes - 38.5 MBIn this episode, we reflect upon the profound impact of Seamus Heaney, celebrating the tenth anniversary of the poet’s passing by examining his poignant piece, "The Haw Lantern." We explore: The rich, multifaceted landscapes in Heaney's poetry, capturing the essence of Ireland with raw, genuine portrayals. Heaney’s unique ability to intertwine dense, academic poetic language with relatable narratives, allowing readers to experience and inhabit the worlds he depicts. Heaney’s intertwinin...
OBIT [Ambition] by Victoria Chang
September 06, 2023 12:52 - 17 minutes - 40.8 MBWhat does it mean to truly grieve and can we ever move on from it?. In this episode, I explore OBIT [Ambition] by Victoria Chang, a poignant reflection on how we grieve not just physical deaths but abstract losses as well. Delve deep into the background of Chang’s 2020 collection, "OBITS", and understand the inspiration and intention behind her poetic obituaries. Join me in decoding this evocative poem that intertwines grief, ambition, memory, and more. Whether you're a poetry enthusiast or ...
Earth Presses Against Us by Mahmoud Darwish
August 09, 2023 14:36 - 20 minutes - 45.5 MBDelve into the poetic world of Mahmoud Darwish on this week's episode of Words That Burn. Uncover the heart-wrenching narrative of "Earth Presses Against Us" from his 1986 anthology, "Fewer Roses." . Often considered to be Palestine's most important poet, Darwish's poetic expanse narrates the profound pain and oppression of immigrants, particularly from the Palestinian perspective. Born in the Palestinian village of Birweh, Darwish became an emblem of resistance and a voice of lamentation a...
Knives We Used On Our Skin
July 19, 2023 06:00 - 14 minutes - 32.5 MBThis week's episode is deep dive into the unflinching poetry of Irish poet, Molly Twomey. It looks at the complex layers of Twomey's poignant masterpiece, "Knives We Used on Our Skin". This compelling exploration of the turbulence of youth, nestled in the serenity of the Irish countryside, presents a raw and intimate portrayal of the trials of adolescence. In this analysis, we'll traverse the emotional landscape of self-harm, adolescent insecurities, and the oft-overlooked connection betw...
Love After Love by Derek Walcott
May 24, 2023 06:28 - 15 minutes - 34.5 MBDive into the realm of self-compassion and forgiveness in this episode of 'Words That Burn'. We delve deep into the transformative words of Nobel laureate Derek Walcott, particularly focusing on his acclaimed poem 'Love After Love'. Walcott's poetry shines a light on the intricate dynamics of self, identity, and culture within the larger context of Western literature. His powerful verses have not only earned him significant accolades, including the MacArthur Genius Grant, but have also stir...
Midnight In The Foreign Food Aisle by Warsan Shire
February 08, 2023 10:33 - 16 minutes - 37.2 MBWhen we are forced to leave a life behind, what price do we truly pay. This question is the one at the heart of Warsan Shire's poem Midnight In the Foreign Food Aisle. Join me as I delve into this incredible portrayal of her uncle. Warsan Shire can only be described as a poetry superstar, who has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. From becoming London's first young poet laureate to collaborating with none other than Beyoncé on her album LemonadeShire has made a remarkable impact...
Car Graveyard by Charles Simic
January 25, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 45.3 MBHow can we make peace with an ending? Can we make peace with them at all. In this episode of Words That Burn, we'll be taking a closer look at the poetry of the late Charles Simic. The episode will focus on his poem Car Graveyard, a wonderful showcase of all the talents he possessed as a poet. The poem looks at a pivotal moment in the youth of the poet, whilst simultaneously deconstructing the oft overlooked side of the American Dream. Throughout, we will be sure to point out the themes and ...
An Interview With Irish Poet Luke Morgan
January 04, 2023 10:59 - 33 minutes - 76.9 MBI have a chat with Irish poet Luke Morgan about his latest collection Beast and all the themes of shape shifting and transformation that are in it. We talk about the ways we carve out identities and the various metaphors and coping mechanisms we develop to navigate that. Luke Morgan's poetry collection "Beast" was published in 2022 by Arlen House. His debut, "Honest Walls" was published in 2016 when he was 22 years old. His work has appeared in numerous publications around the world. He is ...
Cotton Candy On A Rainy Day by Nikki Giovanni
December 06, 2022 12:55 - 25 minutes - 57.8 MBChange is hard, it’s a well worn statement. It can be difficult for us personally to go through, it can be difficult for others to accept. Despite all that the hardest aspect of it may be when change fails to come and we are trapped in the same relentless situations. This poem, Cotton Candy On A Rainy Day, tackles change in its many frustrating forms. It comes at a point of tremendous change in the life of poet Nikki Giovanni. In many ways it symbolises a massive transition in the viewpoi...
A Bronze God, or a Letter On Demand by Clifton Gachagua
November 14, 2022 07:00 - 18 minutes - 42.7 MBWhat does it feel like when we burn for those we love? Do we burn more in their presence or in their absence? More importantly what is the line between love and worship? All these questions are tackled in Clifton Gachagua's A Bronze God, or a Letter On Demand. In it a speaker spills a monologue of devotion to their love, both their physical presence and the memory of them. Gachagua's imagery moves fluidly together, washing over the reader in a cascade of fragments and glimpses. It shows us h...
Halloween Special 2022
October 28, 2022 06:00 - 26 minutes - 61.3 MBIt can be easy to relegate Halloween to the realm of a kitsch festival every year but to do so would be a mistake. Here in Ireland Halloween or Oíche Shamhna, was an important festival for both recognising the dead and the beginning of the darker half of the year. There was a recognition that acceptance of that darkness was important. In this week's special Halloween episode I'm going to discuss three poems from three poets, each dealing with the supernatural in their own way. Those poems ar...
Hokusai by Anne Carson
October 03, 2022 06:00 - 16 minutes - 37.7 MBWhere does practice turn to obsession? Is anger when pursuing perfection inevitable? These are two of the questions explored in Anne Carson's Hokusai. In the poem Carson takes a look at the later life of one of Japan's greatest artists: Hokusai. She creates poem of magical realism, one that allows the old painters daily ritual of painting lions to spring to life from the page. Using the poem Carson explores that frustration and subsequent anger that can arise from the creative mind. In th...
Shadowboxer by Anne Carson
September 20, 2022 16:59 - 20 minutes - 45.8 MBHow do we deal with trauma and regret? If we're honest, it's usually not well. This seems especially true for men. Difficult emotions around remorse, guilt and vulnerability are rarely expressed. In her poem Shadowboxer, Anne Carson looks at the toll that might take on the male psyche. Using the biblical parable of Longinus and infusing it with a contemporary edge, Carson explores the way in which some men retreat from their emotions and they price for that action. Show notes: https://wor...
Tired by Langston Hughes
August 23, 2022 15:52 - 14 minutes - 32.8 MBShould we accept the world as it is? Harsh realities and all? Langston Hughes certainly didn't think so. In his poem Tired, he lures the reader in with a soothing recognition of the exhaustion of the modern world. Then quickly uses their attention to deliver a call to action for change and revolution. In this deceptively brief poem, everything that made Langston Hughes a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance is showcased. There his ability to illustrate layers of meaning with simple a...
Torn by Ada Limón
August 08, 2022 07:04 - 21 minutes - 49.6 MBDo you ever feel at odds with yourself or the world around you? I think it's an unavoidable truth of being human to be torn on occasion. U.S Poet Laureate Ada Limón has certainly felt and recognised this in others. In this poem, Torn, Limón examines the nature of division and dichotomy through an unusual image; a dead snake. This dead snake becomes a treatise for the poet to explore how separation from yourself can feel but also a way in which we might find our way back to a sense of wholene...
Meditations In An Emergency by Frank O' Hara
July 19, 2022 06:29 - 31 minutes - 72.1 MBWhat should we do in a time of crisis? Become stoic? Take stock? Flounder in existentialism? In the case of Frank O' Hara, why not all three? In Meditations In An Emergency, the speaker finds themselves in a spiral of self-doubt and melancholy self loathing. All this happening in the wake of a separation from their love. Frank O' Hara creates a stream of consciousness to document the highs and lows of such a moment. It swings from tragic to hilarious in the space of jus a few short syllabl...
The Yearner by Rachel Long
June 27, 2022 07:04 - 18 minutes - 42.6 MBDo you ever wish for a blank slate? What would it cost? These are exactly the questions that Rachel Long's The Yearner hopes to answer. This week's poem looks at the pressures we all face in modern life and the toll our own experiences take on us. Rachel Long weaves solid poetic technique and a unique ability to create intimacy together to show the lengths some people will go to to escape those pressures. Show notes: https://wordsthatburn.substack.com/p/the-yearner-by-rachel-long?sd=pf ...
Since Feeling Is First by E.E. Cummings
June 09, 2022 07:20 - 18 minutes - 41.5 MBIs love truly madness? It's certainly foolishness for Poet E.E. Cummings. In this episode I explore Since Feeling is First , one of his more famous love poems that looks at the way in which love almost always overrides reason. It is a fine example of the mastery Cummings held over form, grammar and syntax. On its surface it is a seemingly simple theme but, like all Cumming's works, that surface impression is just the beginning. The First E.E Cummings Episode: https://open.spotify.com/epis...
Sceimhle by Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill
April 20, 2022 22:12 - 23 minutes - 54.4 MBWhat does Paranoia really feel like? It's an absolute nightmare according to poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill's Sceimhle. In this poem Ní Dhomhnaill fuses folklore and terror to create an allegory for a woman's experience in life. She weaves together a folkloric dreamscape in which to set all this. Death omens and portents of doom haunt every line as an unnamed character attempts to find any kind of refuge. If you're looking for an Irish language poem with some serious bite to it, this is the one....
Sceimhle by Nuala Ní Dhomnaill
April 20, 2022 22:12 - 23 minutes - 54.4 MBWhat does Paranoia really feel like? It's an absolute nightmare according to poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill's Sceimhle. In this poem Ní Dhomhnaill fuses folklore and terror to create an allegory for a woman's experience in life. She weaves together a folkloric dreamscape in which to set all this. Death omens and portents of doom haunt every line as an unnamed character attempts to find any kind of refuge. If you're looking for an Irish language poem with some serious bite to it, this is the one....
Outrageous by Stephen Sexton
February 09, 2022 23:33 - 22 minutes - 51.3 MBWhat do you associate with the good times in your childhood? For Stephen Sexton it's Super Mario World, the classic 1991 video game for the SNES. In his truly moving poem Outrageous, Sexton takes on a journey of grief and possible consolation using the level as a lens. Memory and Reality merge together into a pixelated landscape that Sexton fills with emotion and exploration. It is all a stunning work of ekphrasis and a truly unique work of art. Substack Show Notes: https://wordsthatburn.su...
The Courage of Shutting Up by Sylvia Plath
December 01, 2021 17:48 - 27 minutes - 62.8 MBWhat is defiance exactly? Is it an act of bravery in the face of a tyrant? A bold battle cry against a Goliath? Or could it simply be a refusal to engage, to fuel, the passions of our abusers? The latter is certainly the case of this poem; The Courage of Shutting Up by Sylvia Plath. In the poem, Plath utilises her trademark mercurial imagery to paint a portrait of a woman long oppressed. She expresses the way in which words can be turned into weapons and how, sometimes, stoicism and silenc...
Halloween Special 2021
October 29, 2021 10:31 - 27 minutes - 63 MBIt's the season of things that go bump in the night! So in honour of Halloween I've brought you two poems about creatures that make a big bump. The first poem is Windigo by Louise Erdrich, a poem on the decaying spirit of cannibalism that haunts the North American wilderness. This is swiftly followed by Instructions for not becoming a werewolf by Abjgail Parry. A poem on battling the monsters within ourselves. Each one is sure to make you uneasy about what lurks just beyond the reach of t...
To Autumn by John Keats
October 21, 2021 16:56 - 24 minutes - 56.5 MBIs beauty more important than depth? Is nature the ultimate form of beauty? Do you believe in giving in to experience over rationality? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then this week's poem is for you. This episode looks at To Autumn by John Keats, the final full poem written by his hand. In it Keats writes the ultimate tribute to his favourite season and in doing so cemented his position as one of the greatest poets ever to grace the English language. We will look at the...
at half eleven in the Mutton Lane in, I am fire, slaughter, dead starlings by Doireann Ní Ghríofa
September 29, 2021 06:00 - 24 minutes - 56.1 MBWhy do we find those who light fires within us? The people we know will burn us to the ground? The lure of chemistry and lust is a hard one to turn from and yet when we manage it, there is a quiet triumph to be felt. This battle of desire and restraint is explored in a subtle yet engaging way in this week's poem. at half eleven in the Mutton Lane in, I am fire, slaughter, dead starlin gs by Doireann Ní Ghríofa is, as the title suggests, a piece of verse that brims with witchcraft, omens and...
Two Reflections by Seán Hewitt
August 26, 2021 06:00 - 21 minutes - 48.5 MBTo what extent can the natural world help inform our inner lives? More importantly can it paradoxically irritate and soothe some of the wounds we've managed to accrue? Séan Hewitt certainly seems to think it can. This week on the podcast I take a look at his poem Two Reflections from his collection Tongues of Fire. I take a look at the masterful way that he harnesses nature and the world of symbols and imagery that accompany to work his way through one of life's most difficult experiences:...
Fame by Charlotte Mew
August 06, 2021 06:30 - 23 minutes - 54.5 MBWhat lurks behind the glory days? Is there salvation in nature? Or has humanity moved to far forward in it's relentless pursuit of progress? These are the questions that Charlotte Mew puts to us in her poem Fame. Though all this hides her true question; Can we ever find a peace between our inner desires and social contracts? Charlotte Mew is surely one of the most tragic figures to emerge from the Victorian period of poetry. In this week's episode I take a look at her life and her struggle...
Gravity and Center by Henri Cole
July 08, 2021 07:00 - 19 minutes - 45.1 MBIs love always a positive thing? How many forms can it take? More importantly, how can we learn to accept it. These are all questions tackled in Henri Cole's poem Gravity and Center. In this week's episode we look at Henri Coles uniquely direct and sometimes abrasive style of poetry. We examine the unflinching biographical elements of his work and his incredible ability to evoke emotions in readers. You can find a copy of the poem here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57088/gravity-...
Ghazal by Mimi Khalvati
June 15, 2021 12:35 - 21 minutes - 50 MBHow do we capture those brief and fleeting moments when we fall in love with someone? Might I suggest a ghazal? On this week's episode we take a look at Ghazal by Mimi Khalvati. Khalvati expertly navigates the rigorous Arabic form making it a perfect vehicle for the English Language. In the process of doing so she reconnects the native culture of her birth, Iran, with the adopted culture of her present, England. It is a poem that is a testament to all the wonderful feelings that accompany be...
Laertes
May 26, 2021 15:42 - 21 minutes - 49.2 MBCan we ever really value what we have in the moment? Will we always realise too late what we've lost? These are two of the key questions tackled by Northern Irish Poet Michael Longley's poem Laertes. A self confessed ''lapsed classicist'' Longley expertly retells the famous story of Odysseus reuniting with his father Laertes and in doing so explores the themes of loyalty, family, and memory. Using the classic myth Longley investigates not only his own past, but the troublesome one of his own...
Never to Dream of Spiders
May 13, 2021 14:16 - 23 minutes - 53 MBWhat responsibility do we have to use our voice? More importantly who is that responsibility to? If we were to follow the example of poet and activist Audre Lorde, the answer would be everyone. Throughout her life Lorde sought for the inclusiveness of all, no matter what colour, preference or ethnicity. She worked tirelessly to ensure that every soul had a voice. Using her own experience in her poetry to illustrate much broader points. In this episode, we look at the poem Never to Dream of ...
Tired
April 21, 2021 11:23 - 20 minutes - 47.6 MBHow do you grind through the day to day in a system that is designed against you? That is precisely the question at play in Fenton Johnson's poem Tired. Johnson was a figure of the Harlem Renaissance and this week's episode examines the movement and it's impact on African American Identity. Johnson's poem is the beleaguered cry of a man who has had enough from the society around him. It is a cry that is still resonates with listeners today. You can find a copy of the poem here: https:...
I Give You Back
April 07, 2021 11:00 - 18 minutes - 43.4 MBFear is one of our oldest companions and in many cases an unwelcome one. In her poem, I Give You Back , Joy Harjo explores the toxic and often suffocating relationship we can have with our fear. In this intensely biographical poem that showcases her own struggles with panic and anxiety, as well as her peoples struggles since the colonization of America. It is a poem that seeks to find way to heal from the wounds that trauma has dealt us and to do so in a compassionate and caring way. *TW: T...
Epic
March 24, 2021 11:10 - 20 minutes - 46.6 MBIreland might always be associated with the land. That's certainly the way it was for much of the 20th Century and while certain Irish poets sought to romanticise this connection between the land and it's people Patrick Kavanagh chose to do the exact opposite. Kavanagh was a poet who chose instead to look at every aspect of Irish society seeming to revel in the less polished side. In this poem Epic he looks at the narrow world view of those restricted by rural communities and settings. In d...
An Interview with Katie Condon
March 12, 2021 18:08 - 28 minutes - 65.1 MBI was lucky enough to get to talk with poet and academic Katie Condon about her new poetry collection Praying Naked. In the interview Katie delves into what made her begin to write poetry, why it's often a refuge for her and just what it means to make poetry today. Her work encompasses so many different aspects ranging from an unflinching look at sexuality and desire, to challenging the narrative handed down to women through the generations. This special bonus episode is taken from my Iri...
Conriocht
March 12, 2021 12:32 - 16 minutes - 37.8 MBWhat happens when we completely lose touch with nature? What chaos could occur? That's exactly the question put forward by Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh in this week's show. In her poem Conriocht she invokes a more primal version of Ireland to explore the territory of miscommunication and isolation all through the Irish language. It's seachtain na gaeilge this week in Ireland and so the episode is intended to bring you some poetry in the native Irish Language Cad a tharlaíonn nuair a chaillimid á...
The Panther
March 04, 2021 18:58 - 14 minutes - 33.1 MBWhat does it mean to make art in the modern world? Is it for public consumption or is it simply for personal expression and achievement? More importantly what happens when we grind down the time we should be setting aside for creativity? All these questions and more are tackled in this weeks poem: The Panther by Rainer Maria Rilke. Rilke was a modernist master and manages to create a poem that resonates despite its brevity. You can find a copy of the poem here: https://wenaus.org/poetry/p...
One Art
February 17, 2021 11:48 - 16 minutes - 38.2 MBHow do you come to terms with loss? Is it simply part of life or should it be examined and carefully acknowledged? These are the themes and questions at play in One Art by Elizabeth Bishop. The poem looks at the difficulty of moving on from a loss and in some cases how it's simply not possible. You can find a copy of the poem here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47536/one-art The show notes for today's episode, with full references can be found here: https://wordsthatburnpodcast.co...
You'd Think the Sky Would Run Out of Water
February 11, 2021 08:00 - 18 minutes - 42.5 MBWhich poet gives love a grander form? Byron? Keats? Cummings? What about the everyday love. The kind of love that stumbles and doesn't flare into a phoenix like eruption? The kind of love that hesitates and takes its time? In that case, Todd Colby's got you covered. In this week's excellent poem, You'd Think the Sky Would Run Out of Water, he employs his usual blend of chaos and humour to show just how shaky love can be a times and why that's not a reason to fret too much. You can find a co...