The New Yorker: Poetry

Tiana Clark and Natasha Trethewey read and discuss their poems, diving into themes of repentance, art, life, and historical elements in poetry. They explore the emotional depth of their works, the influence of historical figures, and the power of artistic inspiration in creating compelling poetry.

Award-winning poets Ada Limón and Natalie Diaz discuss their collaborative poetry project 'Envelopes of Air.' They explore the intimate process of exchanging poems through letters, focusing on shared themes, personal connections, cultural identity, and nature. The conversation highlights the organic collaboration in poetry and introduces the New Yorker's online poetry section.

Marie Howe and Lucie Brock-Broido delve into the intricacies of poetry, exploring themes of childhood memories, societal changes, and the importance of unanswered questions. They discuss the symbolism of stars, bewilderment in poetry, and the unique voice each poet brings to their work.

Meena Alexander discusses the emotional depth and shared experiences in Gerald Stern's 'Adonis,' linking memories, music, and dreams with themes of intimacy and immigrant life in New York. She explores poetic inspiration from Kerala and the Nile, reflects on memories and imagery in art, and delves into the poet's intimate connection with creation and home, hinting at future projects.

Terrance Hayes joins Kevin Young to read and discuss Matthew Dickman's poem "Fire" and his own poem “New York Poem." Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

David Lehman joins Kevin Young to read and discuss John Ashbery's 'Worsening Situation' and his poem 'Stages on Life's Way.' They explore Ashbery's unique writing style, themes of detachment and clarity, connections with New York School poets, and delve into love, memory, and fantasy in poetry.

Tracy K. Smith and Matthew Dickman discuss the depth of 'Minimum Wage,' erasure as a poetic technique, the power of 'we' in poetry to foster empathy, and the significance of tradition in poetry. They touch on themes of hope, vulnerability, historical challenges, and the importance of repair in the face of adversity.

Poet Charles Simic reads and discusses Sharon Olds' poem 'Her Birthday as Ashes in Seawater' emphasizing themes of family and loss. The conversation explores emotional depth, mother-child bonds, and philosophical themes in poetry.

Poet and writer Danielle Chapman discusses Zbigniew Herbert's poem 'Mr. Cogito Laments the Pettiness of Dreams' exploring the blend of seriousness and irony. They also delve into Chapman's poem 'The Tavern Parlor,' analyzing the rich history and legacy encapsulated in a Tennessee tavern.

Renowned poet and translator Stephen Mitchell discusses Richard Wilbur's 'Two Voices in a Meadow' and his translation of 'The Death of Argos' from Homer's Odyssey. Topics include Wilbur's influence, themes of surrender in poetry, the process of translation, emotional encounters in The Odyssey, and themes of recognition and married love in poetry.