58sec snip

The New Yorker: Poetry cover image

Timothy Donnelly Reads Yusef Komunyakaa

The New Yorker: Poetry

NOTE

Embracing the Failure of Language

The use of language that may be seen as a failure provides an extraordinary insight into what it might be like to be a dog. The phrase 'to the crest of my ability' exemplifies this wonderful failure by deviating from the expected 'to the best of my ability,' encapsulating the idea of dogs overcoming a bump. The speaker reflects on concerns regarding the phrase possibly being perceived as a pun, pondering the appropriateness of wordplay. Ultimately, the acceptance and appreciation of language's failures are highlighted, with an acknowledgment of the relief in receiving validation for such linguistic choices.

00:00

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode