The New Yorker: Poetry

Michael Robbins, an accomplished poet, joins the podcast to read John Ashbery's 'Myrtle' and his own 'Country Music.' They explore the complexity of Ashbery's poetry, discuss the themes and influences in 'Myrtle,' and delve into the process of writing 'Country Music.' The conversation highlights the humor, nuances, and personal inspirations found in contemporary poetry.

Award-winning poet Ada Limón and featured poet Jennifer L. Knox explore humor and deep themes in poetry, discussing the challenges and creativity behind crafting well-crafted poems. They also touch on the tradition of reading poetry aloud, the ambiguity in poem endings, and the multiple possibilities found in their works 'State Bird' and 'Pimp my Ride'.

Former U.S. Poet Laureate, Robert Pinsky, discusses Elizabeth Bishop's poem 'At the Fish Houses' with Paul Muldoon, comparing it to Shakespeare's work and exploring its themes. They also touch on upcoming topics like a new translation of the Iliad and the influence of Bishop's style on Pinsky's poem 'Shirt'.

Major Jackson discusses Derek Walcott's rich imagery and poetic structure, exploring influences and themes in his work. He also shares insights on his own poem 'How to Listen', inspired by observations in Philadelphia streets.

Rowan Ricardo Philips joins Paul Muldoon to read and discuss Nick Laird’s “Feel Free” and a poem of his own. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Timothy Donnelly joins to analyze Yusef Komunyakaa's 'Fortress', exploring occult meanings and musicality. They discuss themes of protection, forgiveness, and family dynamics in the poem, revealing hidden mysteries. The episode also touches on upcoming events, the creative process of writing poetry, and the joy of embodying varied perspectives in creative writing.

Stephen Burt, a poet and critic, discusses Liz Waldner's poem 'Velt' exploring themes of time, memory, and impermanence while touching on personal nostalgia and reflections on Velveeta cheese. An in-depth analysis of Liz Waldner's poem 'Sad Verso of the Sunny' focusing on line endings, emotional resonance, and wordplay, inviting readers to uncover the puzzle within the title and connect it to childhood memories. Stephen Burt reads his poem 'Hermit Crab' from The New Yorker, using the metaphor of a hermit crab in a shell to convey the experience of confinement and the yearning for liberation.

Maureen McLane, a renowned poet, joins Paul Muldoon to discuss and read Liz Waldner's thought-provoking poem inspired by a 17th-century narrative. They explore themes of freedom, time, and love, while analyzing the effectiveness of the use of biblical language and modern expressions. The podcast delves into the interconnectedness of species and the beauty of nature depicted in the poem 'Mesh', drawing inspiration from ecology writers like Timothy Morton. Additionally, they reflect on the power of language in poetry and discuss cultural topics referencing Maureen M. Maclean's work and the podcast, Critics at Large.

Poet James Richardson and host Paul Muldoon discuss W. S. Merwin's 'A Single Autumn,' reflecting on themes of memory and loss. They explore Merwin's unique style and the transformative power of poetry, emphasizing openness to new ideas and interpretations.

Rae Armantrout discusses Susan Wheeler's poem The Split, focusing on vernacular language, bidding farewell, and connections to Emily Dickinson's style. They explore themes of healing miracles, poetic techniques like free verse, alliteration, and absence, while providing a preview of upcoming podcast episodes.