The New Yorker: Poetry

Kevin Young and Paul Muldoon discuss John Berryman's unique style and rising influence in poetry, exploring his evolution through The Dream Songs and delving into his enigmatic persona. They analyze the symbolism in Berryman's work and explore the themes of memory, history, and resilience in his poem 'Oblivion', focusing on the metaphor of cows in Louisiana.

Poet Brenda Shaughnessy discusses C.D. Wright's poem, exploring the power of words and layers of meaning. They delve into the US-Mexico border, time, memory, and identity in poetry, reflecting on regret, missed opportunities, and intergenerational trauma.

Parker Henry joins Paul Muldoon to discuss fact checking poetry for The New Yorker. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jonathan Galassi, poet and publisher, discusses Frederick Seidel's confrontational poetry style and themes of change and loss. They explore the use of vivid imagery, New York lunch traditions, and poetry's impact on social and political discourse.

Poet Amit Majmudar reads and discusses Christopher Reid's 'The Confusions' and his own poem 'Invocation'. Topics include Reid's poetic evolution, Shakespearean influences, use of alliteration, suspension of disbelief, and complexity of Shakespearean plots. Majmudar explores inspiration behind 'Invocation' from child psychiatry rotation, symbolism of arms, connections to Virgil's Aeneid, and powerful imagery. Discussion includes writing without worrying about allusions, themes of loss, pain, survival, rhyme scheme, and creative process of writing poetry late at night.

Renowned poet Eileen Myles and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon discuss James Schuyler's 'White Boat, Blue Boat' and Myles' poem 'Dissolution.' They explore Schuyler's intimacy in poetry, the New York School poets, and the themes of disorientation and impermanence in their work.

Acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates reads and discusses John Updike's poetry. They explore Updike's emotional themes, attention to detail, and experimental styles. Oates also shares her own poem 'This is the Season', delving into everyday themes. The podcast analyzes the poetic significance of words and imagery, offering a deep dive into the beauty of poetry.

Former US Poet Laureate Billy Collins discusses Eamonn Grennan's 'Sea Dog' and his own poem 'Table Talk', exploring visual symbolism, Zeno's paradoxes, and the editing process in poetry.

Poet and writer Jana Prikryl discusses Anne Carson's unique style, exploring themes of death, love, and desire in 'Stanzas, Sexes, Seductions.' She shares insights on her own poem 'Thirty Thousand Islands,' diving into belonging and individuality within the island setting. The podcast delves into formalism in poetry, the influence of writers like T.S. Eliot, and the art of writing poetry with unexpected shifts in narration.

Nick Laird joins Paul Muldoon to read and discuss Elizabeth Bishop's “The Moose,” and his own poem “Feel Free.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices