Lyndsay Rush's new book of poems, 'A Bit Much,' was written for poetry skeptics
Oct 2, 2024
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Lyndsay Rush, a former poetry skeptic turned author, opens up about her transformative journey into the world of poetry. She shares how Instagram introduced her to accessible poetic expression and reveals the humorous side of her reimagined take on Mary Oliver's 'Wild Geese.' Rush discusses the challenges of dedicating poetry to public figures, and her joy-filled poem celebrates self-acceptance and life’s exuberance, partly driven by its viral success. Engaging in a lively conversation, Mary Louise Kelly brings out Rush's unexpected love for the art.
Lyndsay Rush's journey from poetry skepticism to creating humorous and relatable poems illustrates the democratization of poetry through social media.
Her reinterpretation of Mary Oliver's work exemplifies how contemporary poets can infuse personal and cultural themes into accessible poetry.
Deep dives
The Impact of Internet Poetry
The rise of internet poetry has profoundly transformed how poetry is accessed and enjoyed by diverse audiences. Platforms like Instagram and Tumblr have democratized poetry, allowing emerging poets like Lindsay Rush to reach audiences who might not be familiar with traditional poetry. By sharing relatable and humorous content, these poets have made the genre feel more approachable and relevant. Rush's journey from not connecting with poetry to creating her own work exemplifies this shift, as she found inspiration in the informal and fun style of social media poetry.
Embracing Personal Narrative in Poetry
Lindsay Rush's poetry collection, A Bit Much, is characterized by its humorous take on personal experiences and relatable situations. Many of her poems reflect everyday life and feelings through lighthearted language, making them accessible to readers. For instance, she has reimagined one of Mary Oliver's famous poems, infusing it with contemporary themes and humor, which illustrates her approach to poetry as a means to explore personal and cultural narratives. This dedication to infusing her voice into her work not only resonates with her audience but also serves to uplift and celebrate individuality.
Lyndsay Rush was never a big fan of poetry. But after discovering the world of internet poets through Instagram, she discovered that writing poetry could be attainable–and fun. Now, Rush is out with a new collection of poems, partially drawn from her popular Instagram account, @maryoliversdrunkcousin. In today's episode, Rush speaks with NPR's Mary Louise Kelly about the origins of the author's Instagram handle, Rush's reinterpretation of Mary Oliver's poem "Wild Geese," and the book's dedication to Michelle Pfeiffer.
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