Renowned poets Ellen Bass and Adam Zagajewski discuss themes of mutability, beauty in a shattered world, loss, and lustrousness in their selected poems. The discussion includes tarot decks, herbal remedies, oysters in poetry, and upcoming episodes on new Iliad translation and Adam Driver's performance.
Finding beauty in a broken world, praising amidst destruction and suffering.
Effectiveness of spare imagery to evoke personal moments and emotions in poetry.
Deep dives
The Poem "Try to Praise the Mutilated World"
Adam Zagievsky's poem, Try to Praise the Mutilated World, translated by Claire Kavanagh, explores the concept of finding beauty in a broken world. The poem emphasizes the struggle of praising amidst destruction and suffering, highlighting moments of joy and resilience. It reflects on the contrast between the devastating atrocities and the simple, poignant experiences that evoke a sense of connection and hope. Through vivid imagery and subtle references, the poem invites readers to contemplate the complex interplay between despair and celebration.
The Power of Sparse Yet Evocative Imagery
Ellen Bass discusses the effectiveness of deceptively simple and spare imagery in poems like Try to Praise the Mutilated World. The poem's images, such as drops of rose wine and gathering acorns in the park, create a spaciousness that allows readers to bring their own experiences and memories into the narrative. Bass highlights how these seemingly straightforward descriptions resonate with personal moments, encouraging readers to find parallels in their lives. The poem's ability to evoke both sorrowful and tender emotions showcases the power of minimal yet evocative language.
Interpreting Beauty Amidst Adversity
The conversation delves into the inspiration behind Adam Zagievsky's poem, rooted in his visit to Ukrainian Polish villages marked by abandonment and growth amidst decay. Bass describes the poem's reflection on the contest between beauty and disaster, emphasizing the oyster as a metaphor for resilience and transformation. By exploring the interplay between beauty and devastation, the poem invites contemplation on endurance and acceptance in the face of profound challenges. The discussion underscores the nuanced approach Zagievsky takes in portraying the coexistence of loss and beauty in a world scarred by turmoil.