Poetry Unbound

Amber McBride, an English professor and author, shares her powerful poem 'ROLL CALL: NEW TAROT NAMES FOR BLACK GIRLS' which reimagines the identities of Black girls. The podcast explores themes of reinvention, racism, language power, and the body. It also discusses the empowerment of Black girls through the naming process and challenges societal expectations. The episode delves into the symbolism of the death card in tarot and highlights the affirmation and strength found in the poem.

Carl Dennis, author of 13 works of poetry, discusses the power and significance of the human breath. The podcast explores the connection between breath and various aspects of life, including speeches, music, and athleticism. It delves into the impact of a single breath and emphasizes the importance of paying attention to breath while reading aloud. The podcast also explores the power of artistry and knowledge in solo performances and reflects on the significance of a single breath in reaching unexpected distances.

Poet and writer Elisa Gonzalez contemplates her journey as a poet and reflects on the changes in her writing over time. She engages in a conversation with her past self, exploring the limitations of her younger writing. The podcast also discusses the themes of intimacy, truth, and understanding in Elisa Gonzalez's poem 'To My Twenty-Four-Year-Old Self', as well as the struggles of being truthful with friends and the unbridgeable distances in life.

Ofelia Zepeda, American Indian language advocate and poet, discusses her poem 'Deer Dance Exhibition', exploring the use of different forms in poetry and delving into the symbolism and shared experience of a Deer Dance Exhibition. The chapter also reflects on the layers of the poem, its tone, and symbolism.

Sandra Cisneros, an accomplished poet, discusses her poem 'When in Doubt' and shares wisdom on embracing uncertainty, finding pleasure in life, and prioritizing generosity. The podcast explores the repeating refrain in the poem, the religious undertones, and the significance of the phrase 'when in doubt.' It also discusses navigating uncertainty and doubt through strategies such as choosing generosity, gratitude, and finding solace in natural elements.

Writer and artist Kandace Siobhan Walker recounts a surprising encounter with her late grandmother at a busy market and an encounter with a stranger. They explore the multifaceted themes, symbolism of mangoes, use of alliteration and rhyme, and the presence of the dead in Kandace's poem 'Three Mangoes, £1'.

Chicano poet Francisco X. Alarcón's homoerotic poem about an explorer discovering his sleeping lover's body is discussed, highlighting the use of metaphors and the significance of queer sonnets. The meanings behind each line and the affirmation of truth in the encounter are explored. Queerness, sensuality, and love are analyzed through a poem by Alarcón and its translation by Francisco Aragón, revealing the lovers' vulnerability and exposing their relationship to the readers.

Conor Kerr, a Métis/Ukrainian writer, discusses his poem 'Winter Songs' which envisions a rewilded city where coyotes regenerate and reclaim what was taken. The podcast explores themes of memory, division, dismantling structures, and restoring presence. It also touches on the impact of Europeanization on history and the importance of recognizing native land and treaty recognition.

Valencia Robin, an interdisciplinary artist, discusses her poem 'The Coup' that explores the tense relationship between a mother and daughter. The poem reflects on themes of combat, independence, and the complex dynamics between them. It delves into a pivotal moment and the unresolved tension, showcasing the mother's determination and vulnerability. The speaker also reflects on their own relationship with their authoritarian mother and expresses gratitude to Persea Books.

Korean American poet Eugenia Leigh reflects on finding her way back home after storming out. She explores internal struggles through the metaphor of dung beetles using the Milky Way. Eugenia shares her journey as a survivor of childhood abuse and discusses the themes of her book on mental illness. The poem emphasizes the power of metaphor in guiding and supporting the speaker through family, self-discovery, and breaking destructive patterns.