Poetry Unbound

Leanne O'Sullivan, a talented poet known for her exploration of love and care, delves into her poignant poem "Leaving Early." She reflects on the profound emotional landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the essential role of healthcare workers. O'Sullivan paints a vivid picture of Fionnuala, a compassionate nurse, highlighting themes of resilience and hope amidst adversity. The discussion showcases how poetry can offer solace and connection during challenging times, revealing the healing power of words and shared experiences.

This episode delves into the power of community feedback in shaping future themes. The heartfelt message highlights gratitude for listener support and the importance of their insights. It invites audiences to share their thoughts on favorite poets and desired topics, making everyone a part of the creative process. Listeners are encouraged to participate through a survey, ensuring their voices directly influence the next season. It's a perfect blend of engagement and anticipation for poetry lovers!

Delve into the enduring nature of friendships through Emily Dickinson’s poignant poem, which likens these connections to a powerful fire. Discover how such relationships can weather misunderstandings and changes over time, yielding deep emotional ties. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own lasting friendships and what makes them thrive despite life's challenges. This exploration emphasizes the timeless bonds that persist and illuminate our lives, showcasing the unique depth of human connections.

Raymond Antrobus, an acclaimed poet known for his deep explorations of disempowerment and identity, discusses his poignant poem "Miami Airport." He examines the anxiety and identity crises that arise from being doubted in a space of authority. Antrobus delves into personal experiences of racial profiling and societal perceptions, highlighting the emotional toll of disbelief. Through his narrative, he invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of questioning and reclaiming their voice in the face of misunderstanding.

This week features Patrick Kavanagh, one of Ireland's most celebrated poets, known for his deep connection to rural County Monaghan. He reflects on his iconic poem “The One,” discovering beauty in ordinary places and revisiting the boglands he once resented. The conversation dives into Kavanagh's struggle between self-hatred and the elite Dublin literary scene, revealing how his background shaped his work. Listeners are invited to contemplate their own journeys of belonging and how their perceptions of home evolve over time.

Ali Cobby Eckermann, a Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal poet and acclaimed author, dives into the poignant themes of her powerful poem "Kulila." She emphasizes the moral imperative of remembering the impact of colonization on Indigenous cultures. Cobby Eckermann shares insights on storytelling as a healing mechanism for historical trauma, especially regarding Australia’s stolen generations. Through her work, she advocates for honoring past pains to foster reconciliation and urges listeners to reflect on what aspects of their own cultures need to be lamented and celebrated.

Kei Miller, a professor of English and creative writing at the University of Exeter, delves into the transformative power of his poem "Book of Genesis." He explores the freedom found in the word 'let,' inviting listeners to think about personal identity and self-expression. Miller prompts an introspective discussion on how we can imagine a God who allows us to flourish as our authentic selves. His insights encourage reflection on letting go of societal expectations to embrace who we truly are.

Lemn Sissay’s poem “Some Things I Like” celebrates what we might consider discardable — like cold tea, ash trays, and even people. Raising a joyous toast to the forgotten and the forgettable, Sissay recognizes the power we give to what we pay attention to and invites us to look anew at all that has been undervalued. A question to reflect on after you listen: What is something you like that others may not value in the same way?About the Poet:Lemn Sissay is a poet, playwright, and broadcaster. He contributes regularly to BBC radio and is a BAFTA-nominated, international prize-winning writer. His awards include a Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to literature by the Queen of England, the PEN Pinter Prize, and a Points of Light Award from the prime minister of England. His books of poetry include Listener, Tender Fingers in a Clenched Fist, and Rebel without Applause. His memoir is My Name is Why.“Some Things I Like” comes from Lemn Sissay’s book Listener. Thank you to Canongate, who published the book and gave us permission to use Lemn’s poem. Read it on our website at onbeing.org.Find the transcript for this episode at onbeing.org.The original music in this episode was composed by Gautam Srikishan.

Joy Harjo, the 23rd poet laureate of the United States and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, shares insights from her poem "Praise the Rain." She emphasizes celebrating ordinary moments and embracing the full spectrum of life’s experiences, echoing the sentiments found in Rumi's "The Guest House." Through vivid imagery, Harjo invites us to appreciate both the joyful and sorrowful aspects of existence, encouraging a mindset of praise. She poses a thought-provoking question: What can you praise today?

In this captivating discussion, poet Ross Gay, renowned for his explorations of everyday life and human connection, reflects on his poem "Ode to Buttoning and Unbuttoning My Shirt." He uses this mundane act to explore deeper themes of intimacy, identity, and our connection to daily rituals. Gay invites listeners to consider how seemingly trivial gestures can hold profound emotional significance. The conversation encourages mindfulness, asking what we are opening or closing in our lives, reminding us to pay attention to the stories our hands tell.