In this special episode, I got a chance to chat with Irish Poet Jessica Traynor about her sequence of witch poems from her 2018 collection The Quick.

Jessica Traynor is an accomplished Dublin-based poet whose work reflects her deep roots in Irish history, culture, and contemporary society. Her poetry is known for its intricate layering of personal and collective narratives, often delving into topics such as heritage, identity, the human experience, and the intersections of past and present.

All this and more exist in her Witch Poems. They delve deep into the world patriarchy, and societal dynamics. Jessica shares her evocative poems that paint a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs of women navigating a society stacked against them. From the cunning strategies of witches demonstrating how to catch a rabbit to the raw emotions of curses born out of suppressed anger, these poems offer a unique lens into the transformative power of words.

We also discuss the juxtaposition of humour and darkness, the significance of societal subterfuge, and the lasting impact of intergenerational dynamics. Join us for a journey through poetic landscapes that challenge, inspire, and resonate with listeners.

The portrait in the thumbnail was taken by Bríd O’Donovan.

Follow Jessica Traynor:

Instagram

Twitter/ X

Website

Follow the podcast:

Instagram

Twitter/ X

Website

The Transcript for the Interview

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.