Kathleen Raine

Renowned poet and scholar Kathleen Raine explores the spiritual dimensions of nature in her illuminating lecture. She argues that we must unlearn conventional views to rediscover a child's innate perception of nature. Raine contrasts the sacred essence of nature with the limitations of modern science, emphasizing humanity's deep-rooted connection to the world. She highlights imagination as a vital force that reveals nature’s meanings and advocates for poetry to reclaim nature's living language.

Wendell Berry, an acclaimed American poet and farmer, shares reflections on nature, community, and poetic traditions, emphasizing stewardship and simple acts of resistance. Kathleen Raine, a British poet known for her work on myth and mysticism, reads from Vernon Watkins, diving into themes of memory and identity. Jeremy Reed, an innovative poet, explores gritty rural realities and nostalgic childhood imagery through vivid readings. Together, they create a rich tapestry of poetic insight that resonates with the beauty and complexity of life.

Kathleen Raine, a renowned poet and scholar, dives into the profound world of W. B. Yeats and his lifelong quest for spiritual reality. She explores how modern materialism has stripped poetry of its sacred values, contrasting it with Yeats's imagination-driven wisdom. Raine discusses Yeats's early influences from Blake and mysticism, emphasizing the significance of imaginative revelation over academic validation. The conversation touches on Yeats's engagement with esoteric traditions and his ultimate embrace of Eastern philosophies, inviting listeners to explore deeper cultural treasures.