The New Yorker: Poetry Edward Hirsch Reads Gerald Stern
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Mar 26, 2025 Edward Hirsch, a celebrated American poet and essayist, joins Kevin Young to explore the evocative works of fellow poet Gerald Stern. They dive into Stern's '96 Vandam,' reflecting on themes of longing and urban intimacy amidst the chaotic backdrop of New York City. Hirsch shares his own piece, 'Man on a Fire Escape,' which captures memory and beauty in fleeting moments. The conversation reveals the transformative power of poetry, humor, and the intricate ties between art and life.
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Personal Connection to the Poem
- Edward Hirsch knew Gerald Stern, who hired him for his first job in 1975.
- He visited Stern at his fifth-floor walk-up in New York on Van Dam Street.
American Idiom and Urban Landscape
- Stern's poem embodies an American idiom with an incantatory quality and unique point of view.
- The poem blends specific, accurate descriptions with a sense of longing and the desire to be present in the urban landscape.
Themes of Exhaustion and Seeking Rest
- Stern's "Lucky Life" poems explore themes of exhaustion, failure, and the need for rest.
- The poem's speaker seeks a sense of home and belonging, carrying their bed as a symbol of personal space and rest.