The New Yorker: Poetry

Amy Woolard reads 'Via Negativa' by Charles Wright, discussing its spiritual and Virginia-centric themes. They explore the elegance and complexity of poetry analysis, delving into the unspeakable spiritual landscape. Themes of love, loss, place, and belonging are vividly explored in the poems, offering insights into life's uncertainties and the creation of meaningful art.

Clint Smith's poem 'Chaos Theory' is read by Major Jackson, discussing the impact of 'what ifs' on life paths and destiny. Major reflects on the power of poetry in his life and the communal joy it brings.

José Antonio Rodríguez discusses the profound beauty of Naomi Shihab Nye's poem 'World of the Future We Thirsted', exploring themes of environmental neglect and desperation. He also reads his own poem 'Tender' reflecting on familial dynamics and tenderness amidst adversity.

Ada Limón, the Poet Laureate, reads poems by Carrie Fountain and herself, exploring themes of self-acceptance, human connection, emotional impact, and the multifaceted meanings of titles. The podcast also delves into the fusion of poetry and nature, unveiling a nature poetry project that connects personal experiences in nature with cosmic themes.

Donika Kelly, award-winning poet, reads Mary Oliver's '100 White-Sided Dolphins' and her own poem 'Sixteen Center'. They discuss nature's beauty, poetic structure, family history, and the power of storytelling through poetry.

Richie Hofmann and Henri Cole explore themes of darkness, desire, and self-reflection in their poems. They analyze the symbolism of a bear in nature, the complexities of second love, and the nuances of young love and rebellion. The discussion delves into the depth of language, emotions, and immortality in poetry.

Bianca Stone and Kevin Young discuss Franz Wright's poem 'Learning to Read' and the themes of loneliness, learning, and the complex relationship with a stepfather. They explore the power and depth of poetry, the relationship between autobiography and poetry, and the framing and structure of a poem. They also touch on the IDF's bombardment of Gaza and the impact of sanitizing it on Israeli TV screens.

Evie Shockley, a distinguished professor, discusses Rita Dove's poem 'Hattie McDaniel Arrives at the Coconut Grove', highlighting themes of black actresses in old Hollywood and representation. She also explores her own poem 'The Blessings' referencing black literary figures, rhyme schemes, the representation of 'Eve', myth, lowercase style in poetry, and interconnectedness and resilience in her work.

Dorothea Lasky, author and poet, joins Kevin Young to read and analyze Louise Bogan's 'Three Songs.' They discuss themes of abandonment, haunting, and the power of psychic thoughts. They also explore the unique ending of poems and the shift in tones and themes. The episode delves into the power of open-ended poetry and the significance of punctuation.

Diane Mehta, author of 'Forest with Castanets,' reads Eavan Boland's 'The Lost Art of Letter Writing' & her poem 'Landscape with Double Bow'. Topics include the lost art of letter writing, memory, feminist perspectives, musical imagery, and the balance between lushness & staccato elements in poetry.