Award-winning poet Nicholas Samaras discusses his background, writing, and the importance of attentiveness and the sacred. They explore the power of language, nomadic life, oxymorons, spiritual recharging, defamiliarization, prophets, and the concept of the sacred.
Attentiveness and mindful engagement can make anything sacred.
Poetry is a means of communication on emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual levels.
Deep dives
The Power of Attention and Participation in Sacredness
Poet and writer Nicholas Samaras explores the concept of sacredness, emphasizing the importance of paying attention and participating in order to create a sense of the sacred. He believes that anything can be made sacred through mindful engagement and connection, whether it be relationships, experiences, or everyday objects. Samaras draws inspiration from music, citing influences like Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and St. John Chrysostom's liturgy, which he considers to be the most poetic text he has encountered. By using language to redeem experiences and share messages, Samaras aims to connect with readers on emotional, intellectual, and spiritual levels.
The Significance of Poetry and Writing
Samaras discusses the distinction between being a poet and being a writer, expressing his identification with the verb "writing" rather than the label "poet". He views writing as a means of communication on various levels, including emotional, intellectual, social, and at times, spiritual. Samaras believes that poetry encompasses a deeper truth and emotional connection, often achieved through the use of imagery, lyricism, and rhythm. He considers himself a novelist who writes in verse, utilizing poetic language to capture the nuance of human experiences and social observations.
The Intersections of Politics, Spirituality, and Poetry
Samaras explores the interconnected nature of politics, spirituality, and poetry, suggesting that spirituality encompasses the human condition and the act of communication and participation. He sees poetry as a medium for addressing political and social themes, as well as emotional and spiritual aspects of life. Samaras believes that the political is both emotional and spiritual, emphasizing the importance of unity, growth, and understanding. He highlights the transformative power of language and the potential for poetry to be a conduit for social criticism and commentary.
This conversation with award-winning poet Nicholas Samaras is a reminder of what life can be like when we listen, pay attention, and hear the musical lyricism of the world. This is at the heart of poetry, and his in particular.
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