The New Yorker: Poetry

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.

Erica Jong and the host explore John Updike's 'The City Outside,' discussing his transition in poetry style, shared fears of falling and flying, and the influence of beauty and sorrow in poetry. They also analyze poems by Jong and Updike, offering recommendations for further reading.

Lia Purpura and Carl Phillips explore the allure and complexities of Phillips' poem 'White Dog,' discussing themes of love, loss, and letting go. They also highlight the power of metaphors in poetry and delve into the ethereal essence of poetic expressions, emphasizing the importance of reader interpretation.

Tom Sleigh joins Paul Muldoon to read and discuss Seamus Heaney’s poem “In the Attic” and his own poem “The Fox.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Andrew Motion joins Paul Muldoon to read and discuss Alice Oswald’s poem “Evening Poem” and his own poem “Waders.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Renowned poets Mary Karr and Terrance Hayes discuss themes of family dynamics, symbolism, communion, suicide, parental love, and self-identity through thought-provoking poetry readings and discussions.