Yusef Komunyakaa reads Marilyn Hacker's poem 'Names' and his own work, exploring themes of absence in poetry and the influence of early 20th-century poets like the Imagists. The discussion with Paul Muldoon delves into poetic craft, storytelling voices, and the significance of names in evoking emotions.
Marilyn Hacker excels in sonnets with everyday imagery and profound themes.
Yusef Komunyakaa's 'Night Gigging' integrates personal reflection with poetic traditions.
Deep dives
Exploring the Poem 'Names' by Marilyn Hacker
The podcast episode delves into the poem 'Names' by Marilyn Hacker, highlighted for its evocative language and shifting tones. Yousuf Kaminyaka, a Pulitzer Prize winner, shares his perspective on the poem, emphasizing its authoritative beginning and tension-filled middle, culminating in a powerful conclusion. The discussion extends to Hacker's adeptness in the sonnet form, where everyday imagery intertwines with profound themes, exemplifying her skill in crafting compelling poetry.
Analyzing Yousuf Kaminyaka's Poem 'Night Gigging'
The podcast transitions to Yousuf Kaminyaka's poem 'Night Gigging,' exploring its dialogue with early 20th-century poets such as the Imagists. The conversation touches on Kaminyaka's use of imagery and dialogue with previous poetic traditions, notably H.D. and Ezra Pound. The poem's evocative language and unique style reflect a blend of personal reflection and literary influences, engaging with themes of nature, memory, and poetic innovation.
Yusef Komunyakaa reads a poem by Marilyn Hacker, as well as one of his own poems, and has a discussion with the New Yorker poetry editor, Paul Muldoon.