Nicole Sealey and Kevin Young discuss Ellen Bass's poem 'Indigo' and Sealey's 'A Violence.' They explore themes of envy, existence, mortality, and primal desire. The podcast delves into the complexities of poetry, self-awareness, violence, humor, and societal expectations. They also highlight the impact of organizations like Kave Conum in supporting black poets and promote Sealey and Bass's poetry on New Yorker.com.
Ellen Bass's poem 'Indigo' delves into themes of envy and parenthood, evoking reflection on life's unexpected turns.
Nicole Sealy's poem 'A Violence' explores desire, identity, and societal expectations, highlighting the multifaceted nature of internal and external violence.
Deep dives
Poem Indigo by Ellen Bass
Ellen Bass's poem Indigo, chosen by poet Nicole Sealy, explores themes of envy, parenthood, and life's unexpected turns. The poem depicts a chance encounter with a vibrant and tattooed jogger pushing a sleeping baby, evoking a sense of longing and reflection on personal choices. Through vivid imagery and intimate reflections, the poem delves into complex emotions and the poignant realization of life's miracles and regrets.
Poem A Violence by Nicole Sealy
Nicole Sealy's poem A Violence delves into themes of desire, identity, and societal expectations. The poem captures the internal struggles of a speaker grappling with the pressure to conform to traditional roles of motherhood and femininity. Through stark and evocative language, Sealy navigates the complexities of self-perception, family dynamics, and personal agency, highlighting the multifaceted nature of violence, both internal and external.
Discussion on Poetry and Gender in Writing
In a conversation discussing Ellen Bass's and Nicole Sealy's poems, the podcast explores the intersection of poetry, gender, and personal experiences. The discussion touches on how poetry can address themes of violence, desire, and societal norms, offering a platform for introspection and artistic expression. Through an analysis of Sealy's work and broader literary landscape, the conversation delves into the impact of gender on poetic narratives and the power of poetry to challenge existing norms and narratives.
Nicole Sealey joins Kevin Young to read and discuss Ellen Bass' poem "Indigo" and her own poem “A Violence." Sealey is the executive director at the Cave Canem Foundation and the author of the poetry collection "Ordinary Beast."