Vievee Francis, an acclaimed author and poetry professor, shares her love for sensual language and its power to express emotional connections. Joined by her husband, poet Matthew Olzmann, they explore how intimate relationships flourish through the beauty of words. Vievee's favorite word is revealed to be Matthew's name, showcasing the deep bond they share. Their discussion unfolds the mysteries of love while highlighting how language deepens intimacy, inviting listeners to reflect on their own connections.

In this love poem, Matthew Olzmann writes about his wife — the poet Vievee Francis whose poem for Matthew was featured in the previous episode — and the reasons why their marriage might work: her courage, her tenacity, her quirks, her multiplicities. He recounts instances of her generosity and lands on a story of how, when she was down to her “last damn dime,” she  still bought a bottle of Mountain Dew for him, because she knew he loved it. This is a cinematic and musical poem, making exquisite use of a particular object: a bottle of soda, holding fizz in it, and symbolizing more love than it could contain.Matthew Olzmann  was born in Detroit, Michigan. He received a BA from the University of Michigan–Dearborn and an MFA from Warren Wilson College. He is the author of Contradictions in the Design and Mezzanines, winner of the 2011 Kundiman Poetry Prize. Olzmann has received fellowships from the Kresge Arts Foundation and Kundiman, among others. He teaches at Warren Wilson College and lives in North Carolina with his wife, the poet Vievee Francis.Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org.

Join poets Hanif Abdurraqib, Vievee Francis, Ilya Kaminsky, Li-Young Lee, and Eavan Boland as they delve into the transformative power of poetry. Abdurraqib shares his views on culture and society, while Francis captivates with her evocative imagery. Kaminsky reflects on language and loss, Lee explores the depths of love and identity, and Boland discusses women's experiences. This rich tapestry of voices offers listeners an opportunity for healing and self-discovery through poetry.