Episode 49: Lisel Mueller, When I am Asked
In this episode, we closely read Lisel Mueller’s “When I am Asked” in order to better understand grief as a deep source of artistic expression. We look at language as a source.
Episode 47: Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
In this episode, Christopher Hanlon joins us to discuss an excerpt from Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass. We discuss the poem’s prophetic voice, its patterns of repetition, the connective tissue that binds.
Episode 46: Lucille Clifton, spring song
Lucille Clifton (1936-2010) was one of the most powerful poets of the twentieth century. This joyful poem caps a sequence of sixteen poems called “some jesus,” which walks through biblical characters (beginning.
Episode 43: Margaret Noodin, What the Peepers Say
In this episode, Margaret Noodin joins us to discuss her poem “What the Peepers Say.” In our conversation, we talk about Margaret’s writing in both Anishinaabemowin and English, her attention to sounds.
Episode 38: Laura Van Prooyen, Elegy for My Mother's Mind
In this episode, our guest Laura Van Prooyen reads “Elegy for My Mother’s Mind,” a poem that navigates the complexities of memory, loss, and familial relationships. Laura’s poem gives us an opportunity.
Episode 36: Denise Levertov, On the Mystery of the Incarnation
In this episode, we discuss Denise Levertov’s powerful meditation on the horrors of the twentieth century, and how the mystery of the incarnation might provide humanity with some hope. Our close reading.
Episode 35: Matthew Zapruder, Poem for Wisconsin
In this episode, we discuss the way in which Matthew Zapruder attends to vivid, specific details to create a sense of wonder, connection, and surprise. To read “Poem for Wisconsin,” click here..
Episode 33: Adrienne Rich, Power
This week, the poet and scholar Stephanie Burt joins us to discuss the extraordinary power of Adrienne Rich. We think through how the spacing and stanzas of a poem can draw out.