Campbell McGrath discusses Czeslaw Milosz's 'Realism' and his own poem 'The Human Heart.' They explore themes of eternal essence in art, evolution of rhyme in poetry, and the cohesion of poetry collections. McGrath reflects on the poet-editor relationship and the influence of music on literature.
Campbell McGrath found inspiration in Czeslaw Milosz's 'Realism' for his own poem, connecting visual art and poetry.
Exploring the art of translation, McGrath emphasizes the importance of preserving poetic works across languages and cultures.
Deep dives
Exploring Poetry and Artistic Inspiration
Campbell McGrath discusses Cheslaw Milos' poem 'Realism,' highlighting how it inspired his own work and reflects on the deep connection between visual art and poetry. McGrath admires how the poem subtly addresses the complexities of artistic expression and the enduring power of images and everyday objects.
Translation and Artistic Collaboration
The conversation delves into the art of translation with references to Robert Haas's collaboration with Milos. McGrath admires the partnership and humor reflected in the translations, emphasizing the importance of guiding poetic works across languages and cultural contexts.
Philosophical Reflections on Poetry and Eternal Art
A philosophical conversation emerges on the profound themes of lastingness in art, Catholic influences, and the role of poetry in capturing transient moments. McGrath and the host explore the depth of Milos' poem in contemplating the eternal essence of artistic creations.
Form and Rhyme in Poetry
The discussion shifts to poetic form and rhyme, with McGrath sharing insights on crafting poems that resonate powerfully when read aloud. The exploration of rhyme schemes and language nuances showcases the dynamic interplay between words and sound in poetic expression.
Campbell McGrath joins Kevin Young to discuss “Realism” by Czeslaw Milosz, and his own poem, “The Human Heart.” McGrath has published several poetry collections and received fellowships from the Library of Congress, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the MacArthur Foundation. His latest book is "Nouns & Verbs: New and Selected Poems."