Kai Cheng Thom, poet and author, discusses the power of poetry in addressing trauma, healing, and forgiveness. The podcast explores themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and the role of poetry as a teacher and a source of inspiration in challenging times. The episode showcases Kai's poem 'trauma is not sacred' which speaks to the pain and violence humans carry and inflict upon one another.
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Conflict Resolution and Art
Pádraig Ó Tuama worked in conflict resolution, experiencing recurring patterns of resistance.
He realized the challenge lies in the fear of the unknown, prompting his exploration of art's role.
insights INSIGHT
The Power of Making
Art, specifically poetry, offers a way to confront the fear of the unknown in conflict.
Making something new, like a poem or a resolution, is harder but more powerful than breaking things.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Poetry and Public Life
Pádraig Ó Tuama learned poems about revolution and freedom in his youth.
This instilled in him an understanding of poetry's connection to public life.
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In this concluding episode of "Poems as Teachers," our special miniseries on conflict and the human condition, host Pádraig Ó Tuama says the poems discussed in this offering are a different kind of teacher: “not as teachers that give us rules to follow — more so teachers that share something of their own intuition.” And for a final reflection, he offers Kai Cheng Thom’s “trauma is not sacred,” which speaks directly, fiercely, and lovingly to the pain, scars, and violence that we humans carry and inflict upon one another.
Poetry Unbound