The New Yorker: Poetry Sasha Debevec-McKenney Reads Gabrielle Calvocoressi
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Jul 23, 2025 Sasha Debevec-McKenney, an esteemed author known for her collection *Joy Is My Middle Name* and past fellowships at renowned universities, joins the conversation with Kevin Young. They explore Gabrielle Calvocoressi's poignant poem *Hammond B3 Organ Cistern*, examining themes of hope amidst mental health struggles. The discussion delves into her own poem *Kaepernick*, touching on identity and race through humor. Debevec-McKenney reveals how personal narratives and emotional contradictions enrich poetic expression.
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Naming the Feeling of Survival
- Gabrielle Calvocoressi's poem captures the extraordinary nature of days when one does not want to kill themselves. - It uses vivid personal imagery like bright blue sneakers and a Hammond B3 organ to evoke gratitude amid depression.
Poetry Creates Emotional Community
- Naming emotions in poetry creates communal healing and shared understanding. - The question 'why don't we have a name for it?' opens space for diverse, valid emotional expressions.
Funk as Pain and Beauty
- The poem embraces 'funk' as both pain and beauty, reflecting love’s totality, including its imperfections. - This acceptance parallels loving all parts of life, even the difficult or 'ugly' sides.
