The New Yorker: Poetry cover image

The New Yorker: Poetry

Michael Dickman Reads Ellen Bryant Voigt

Apr 17, 2014
Ellen Bryant Voigt, a celebrated contemporary poet, joins forces with Paul Muldoon, the poetry editor at The New Yorker. They explore the vivid imagery in Voigt’s poem 'Cow', highlighting its powerful themes related to nature and emotional connections. The discussion shifts to the nuances of innocence in modern poetry, contrasting historical styles. Voigt and Muldoon dig into the role of punctuation in shaping poetic interpretation, while marveling at the spontaneous process of poetry creation and the unexpected ways it resonates with audiences.
11:30

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Ellen Bryant Voigt's poem 'Cow' beautifully illustrates the connection between farm life and deeper existential questions through vivid imagery.
  • Michael Dickman's spontaneous writing process, fueled by fragmented phrases, emphasizes discovery and emotional reflection in his poetic works.

Deep dives

Exploration of Ellen Bryant Voight's Poem 'Cow'

The discussion centers on Ellen Bryant Voight's poem 'Cow', which captures the essence of farm life through vivid imagery and emotional nuance. The poem presents the daily routine of cows and their interactions with humans, emphasizing the intertwining of nature and agriculture. Voight's unique use of light and small moments creates a sense of breath within the poem, offering a refreshing perspective on her artistic evolution. This poem not only reflects the physical aspects of life on a farm but also hints at deeper philosophical questions regarding existence and purpose.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner