“. . . a metaphor is a myth in brief.” Giambattista Vico

Many of the ancient myth are poems, Homer’s Odyssey and the Norse Poetic Edda, for example, and the Sumerian myths of Inanna, Dumuzi, and Gilgamesh. These old stories were also songs or hymns. Today we typically tell stories in prose but the link between mythology and poetry is still vital and relevant. That link is metaphor.

Metaphors reach beyond what is known, into the mystery. We can learn to use and understand metaphor by studying poetry. Joseph Campbell said that studying poetry was one way that we can experience the transcendent. I’ve certainly found this to be true. 

In this conversation with Joshua Tree poet and songwriter Phillip Rosenberg, we’ll talk about how to read a poem, and open the door to new truths and forms of experience.

MITM theme music by Travis Rosenberg. Thanks to Radio Free Joshua Tree for providing MITM a home on internet radio-- and thank you for listening!

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