Poetry Unbound

Richard Langston explores the profound emotional landscapes of daily life through his poem 'Hill walk.' He reflects on how simple moments and sounds, like an unusual bird call or the steps of a sibling, shape our experiences. The discussion touches on the mysteries of the human heart and what resonates with us. Langston, a veteran journalist from New Zealand, shares personal insights and highlights the importance of connections and memories that linger in our minds.

Explore the deep themes of love and regret in Robert Hayden's poignant poem. The discussion highlights the unrecognized sacrifices of a father and reflects on childhood memories that linger with us. Vivid imagery brings to life the complexities of familial relationships. This exploration invokes a sense of nostalgia, prompting listeners to contemplate their own parental sacrifices and the emotions tied to them.

Dive into the nostalgic reflections of youth as Taylor Johnson’s poem brings to life the innocence of boys on bicycles. The journey through memory captures the deep yearning to feel seen and free. With rich imagery, explore how childhood aspirations shape personal identity. The discussion highlights the emotional weight of cherished memories and the universal struggles of growing up. Johnson’s pride in his D.C. roots adds a layer of connection to his evocative storytelling.

Kinsale Drake's poem takes listeners on a journey through sound and memory in her hometown. She intertwines Navajo voices with classic country music, crafting a unique sonic landscape inspired by the desert. The exploration of radio as a medium beautifully connects personal and cultural narratives. The discussion also highlights how music marks a sense of belonging and shapes our identities in relation to both nature and community.

This season promises an exploration of poetry's transformative power. The host reflects on using poetry as a coping mechanism during stressful times, highlighting its emotional depth. Listeners can look forward to engaging discussions featuring diverse poets. Each week brings new insights and themes, aiming to connect deeply with personal experiences.

Kai Cheng Thom, poet and author, discusses the power of poetry in addressing trauma, healing, and forgiveness. The podcast explores themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and the role of poetry as a teacher and a source of inspiration in challenging times. The episode showcases Kai's poem 'trauma is not sacred' which speaks to the pain and violence humans carry and inflict upon one another.

Being right may feel good, but what human price do we pay for this feeling of rightness? Yehuda Amichai’s poem “The Place Where We Are Right,” translated by Stephen Mitchell, asks us to answer this question, consider how doubt and love might expand and enrich our perspective, and reflect upon the buried and not-so-buried ruins of past conflicts, arguments, and wounds that still call for our attention.Yehuda Amichai was an Israeli poet and novelist born in Würzburg, Germany, and he lived from 1924 to 2000. His poetry is collected in numerous works, including Open Closed Open, The Selected Poetry of Yehuda Amichai, and The Poetry of Yehuda Amichai.Stephen Mitchell is an author, poet, and translator. His works of translation include The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, Gilgamesh, and Full Woman, Fleshly Apple, Hot Moon: Selected Poems of Pablo Neruda. Mitchell translated The Selected Poetry of Yehuda Amichai with Chana Bloch.Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org.This is the sixth episode of "Poems as Teachers," a special seven-part miniseries on conflict and the human condition.We’re pleased to offer Yehuda’s poem, and invite you to read Pádraig’s weekly Poetry Unbound Substack, read the Poetry Unbound book, or listen back to all our episodes.

Jericho Brown, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, explores themes of love, vulnerability, and unity in his poetry. The podcast delves into the complexities of relationships, highlighting the courage in seeking help and the importance of deep connections rooted in love for genuine change.

Palestinian poet and scholar Mosab Abu Toha shares poems about longing for return to a place of hospitality and memory in Gaza. He explores themes of family, identity, and resilience through his reflective narrative. The podcast delves into the emotional journey of the poet and his family navigating challenges amidst geopolitical turmoil and conflict.

Greek-language poet Constantine P. Cavafy's poem 'Waiting for the Barbarians' explores themes of deception, manipulation, and societal complicity. The poem delves into the sinister nature of leadership and the fabrication of fear to maintain power. It prompts reflection on the consequences of tolerating deception in society and the impact of false fears on individuals and communities.