The New Yorker: Poetry
Charles Simic Reads Sharon Olds
Oct 18, 2017
Poet Charles Simic reads and discusses Sharon Olds' poem 'Her Birthday as Ashes in Seawater' emphasizing themes of family and loss. The conversation explores emotional depth, mother-child bonds, and philosophical themes in poetry.
23:16
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Quick takeaways
- Sharon Olds' poem explores scattering ashes at sea, reflecting on loss, memory, and acceptance.
- Charles Simic personifies infinity in a whimsical, contemplative manner, pondering its mysterious nature and implications.
Deep dives
Sharon Olds' Poem 'Her Birthday as Ashes in Sea Water'
The poem 'Her Birthday as Ashes in Sea Water' by Sharon Olds, discussed in the podcast, captures the emotional complexity of scattering someone's ashes at sea. Through vivid imagery, Olds reflects on the delicate ritual of releasing a loved one's remains into the Pacific Ocean, exploring themes of loss, memory, and the transient nature of life. The poem delicately portrays the intimate bond between the speaker and their deceased mother, evoking a sense of peaceful acceptance amidst the sorrow.
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