Poetry Unbound

Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo, a poet and daughter of Mexican immigrants, shares her experiences at Gettysburg National Military Park. She reflects on uncovering the stories of forgotten Mexican soldiers while confronting cultural erasure in historical narratives. The discussion highlights her rituals of remembrance and the poignant offerings she makes to both her ancestors and contemporary migrants. With a powerful blend of personal and collective history, she challenges dominant narratives and emphasizes the importance of honoring the past.

In this love poem, Matthew Olzmann writes about his wife — the poet Vievee Francis whose poem for Matthew was featured in the previous episode — and the reasons why their marriage might work: her courage, her tenacity, her quirks, her multiplicities. He recounts instances of her generosity and lands on a story of how, when she was down to her “last damn dime,” she  still bought a bottle of Mountain Dew for him, because she knew he loved it. This is a cinematic and musical poem, making exquisite use of a particular object: a bottle of soda, holding fizz in it, and symbolizing more love than it could contain.Matthew Olzmann  was born in Detroit, Michigan. He received a BA from the University of Michigan–Dearborn and an MFA from Warren Wilson College. He is the author of Contradictions in the Design and Mezzanines, winner of the 2011 Kundiman Poetry Prize. Olzmann has received fellowships from the Kresge Arts Foundation and Kundiman, among others. He teaches at Warren Wilson College and lives in North Carolina with his wife, the poet Vievee Francis.Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Vievee Francis, an acclaimed author and poetry professor, shares her love for sensual language and its power to express emotional connections. Joined by her husband, poet Matthew Olzmann, they explore how intimate relationships flourish through the beauty of words. Vievee's favorite word is revealed to be Matthew's name, showcasing the deep bond they share. Their discussion unfolds the mysteries of love while highlighting how language deepens intimacy, inviting listeners to reflect on their own connections.

Eavan Boland, an acclaimed Irish poet and Stanford professor, uses her poetry to bridge personal and national histories, particularly illuminating women's experiences. In her discussion, she reflects on her grandmother's near-eviction in 1904, critiquing how history often overlooks women's narratives. Boland emphasizes the need to reframe historical accounts to include diverse perspectives, showcasing themes of survival and resistance. Her poem 'Eviction' serves as a powerful corrective, urging a reevaluation of how history is told and who gets to tell it.

Jónína Kirton, a Red River Métis/Icelandic poet and BIPOC mentor at Simon Fraser University, explores the tension between her cultural identities. She discusses the power of poetry as a tool for reconciliation, using vivid metaphors like a 'living root bridge' to illustrate connection and resilience. The conversation delves into emotional struggles tied to identity and belonging, emphasizing the importance of nurturing historical ties within communities. Through her work, Jónína encourages a therapeutic approach to navigating the complexities of heritage.

Lorna Goodison, the former Poet Laureate of Jamaica, dives deep into the themes of colonization and identity through her evocative poem 'Reporting Back to Queen Isabella.' She imagines a dramatic meeting between Queen Isabella and Christopher Columbus, brilliantly exposing the vacuous nature of colonial exploits. Goodison's vivid language challenges traditional narratives, bringing forth the dignity and voices of indigenous peoples often lost in history. Her unique perspective reclaims the past, transforming it into art that speaks to contemporary issues.

Hanif Abdurraqib, a poet and cultural critic from Columbus, reflects on the intertwining of music and personal memory. He shares how Journey’s 'Don’t Stop Believin’' serves as a backdrop to his childhood experiences of grief and growth. The conversation reveals the transformative power of music during nostalgic moments and its ability to enhance emotional connections with family and friends. Abdurraqib emphasizes how melodies can heal, offering a fresh perspective on loss and the bonds that shape our lives.

Join poets Hanif Abdurraqib, Vievee Francis, Ilya Kaminsky, Li-Young Lee, and Eavan Boland as they delve into the transformative power of poetry. Abdurraqib shares his views on culture and society, while Francis captivates with her evocative imagery. Kaminsky reflects on language and loss, Lee explores the depths of love and identity, and Boland discusses women's experiences. This rich tapestry of voices offers listeners an opportunity for healing and self-discovery through poetry.

Christian Wiman, a celebrated poet and professor at Yale Divinity School, shares his reflections on the friendships that endure through life's changes. He explores how differing beliefs and life choices influence personal relationships, particularly in midlife. Wiman's evocative poetry captures the complexities of love amidst doubt, urging listeners to cherish authentic connections. He delves into the intertwining themes of identity, spirituality, and the courage it takes to navigate transformations, reminding us that true friendship withstands the test of time.

In this episode, Carlos Andrés Gómez, a Colombian American poet from New York City and winner of the Felix Pollak Prize in Poetry, dives into the transformative journey of fatherhood. He explores powerful themes like masculinity, love, and the emotional burdens of faith. Through his poem 'Father,' he reflects on his fears and joys as a new dad, while delving into the struggles for connection and understanding in turbulent times. His insights reveal how parenthood reshapes one's perspective on spirituality and responsibility.