The New Yorker: Poetry

Joy Harjo, Poet Laureate of the US, reads Sandra Cisneros' poem about contrasts and paradoxes, discussing themes of identity, memory, survival, and imagination. They explore poetry's power to reflect personal and societal realities, delving into the nuances of rhythm, spirituality, and transformative art.

Tracy K. Smith, Marilyn Nelson, and Terrance Hayes discuss poetry as a tool for protest and liberation, exploring themes of historical voices, expressing grievances, and societal issues. They highlight the power of poetry in addressing racial struggles and the importance of bringing Black life into national conversations. The conversation delves into poetic form as a tool for liberation, growth, and understanding, emphasizing its role in exploring complexity and interpreting the world.

Clarence Major, a distinguished writer and artist, joins Kevin Young to read 'Downpour' by Billy Collins and his own poem 'Hair.' They explore themes of mortality, memory, and superstitions surrounding hair, discussing the power of language in poetry and global inspirations for creative focus.

Former Fulbright scholar Elisa Gonzalez discusses the intricacies of Czeslaw Milosz's poem 'Gathering Apricots' and her own work. The podcast explores self-referential elements, memory, and the challenges faced by poets. It delves into themes of autobiography, translation impact, and the balance between personal experiences and poetic expression.

Poet Ben Purkert reads Jorie Graham's 'Notes on the Reality of the Self' & his poem 'News.' They discuss self-discovery, nature's fluidity, and poetic creativity. Exploring themes of descent, luck, and surprise in poetry, with cultural recommendations.

Kwame Dawes, a renowned author, reads Derek Walcott's 'The Season of Phantasmal Peace' and his own poem 'Before Winter.' They discuss themes of love, peace, mortality, and the transient nature of life. The conversation explores cultural topics, poetry analysis, and the evolving notions of exile and home through verse.

Poet Ellen Bass reads and discusses a poem by Frank X Gaspar, touching on taboo topics, the transformative power of metaphor, and the deep connection between life experiences and literary expression. She also shares a moving poem on childbirth, exploring love and vulnerability. The podcast explores the challenges and rewards of crafting a poem, the natural childbirth practices in California in the 70s, and the deep connections between love and grief.

Poet and Dante translator Mary Jo Bang discusses the challenges and joys of translating Purgatorio. Topics include the emotional evolution of Dante's character, the relevance of Dante's poetry in the modern world, analyzing character voices in the poem, and contemplating tackling the translation of Paradiso.

Poet Shane McCrae discusses his poetry sequence 'Jim Limber in Heaven' and its themes of adoption, loss, and identity intertwined with the mysterious history of Jim Limber. He also explores the unique structure of his book, Sometimes I Never Suffered, delving into theological themes and the influence of poetic persona and gothic sensibility in literature.

Vijay Seshadri joins Kevin Young to read “The Moon and the Yew Tree,” by Sylvia Plath, and his own poem “Cliffhanging.” Seshadri is a poet whose work has been honored with the James Laughlin Award and the Pulitzer Prize for poetry. His latest book is “3 Sections,” and he recently became the poetry editor of The Paris Review. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices