Reading Michael Jackson

In this 11th episode we discuss one of my personal favorites from "Dancing the Dream" - Michael's short essay "Enough for Today." In this piece, Michael describes being deeply impacted by the death of a dolphin reported in the newspaper, and what he sees this animal's death representing in the greater scheme of life. Tune in for an emotional discussion highlighting how Michael's life philosophy and care for animals, and the ecology at large, can give us all something to consider.

In his short story "The Boy and His Pillow," Michael explores themes of giving, authenticity, and faith. When we break down this piece, what might we learn about Michael's perspectives on self sacrifice and doing the "right" thing? How could this parable represent not only Michael's view of a child's wisdom, but also his own relationship to his father? Tune in for an in depth discussion of this unique piece!

In this 9th episode we read and discuss Michael's essay "So the Elephants March." As an early favorite of mine and a piece that calls back to the many references Michael makes to elephants throughout his work (such as in "Earth Song" - both lyrics and video) as well as his overarching love of animals in general. But this piece, while centered on elephants, is also deeply human, discussing the human tendency toward cruelty and the lessons we can learn from the great creatures with who we share this world.

If you are interested, check out the 1983 Michael Jackson Hayvenhurst interview that I referenced in the discussion portion of this episode!

https://youtu.be/bwEbyaOpvY0?si=Nik1nrGPoeOJeIhW

In this 8th episode of "Reading Michael Jackson" we will start with a brief discussion of the artist David Nordhal, whose work is featured in "Dancing the Dream," sharing a bit from an interview he conducted in 2009. Then we discuss the poem "Children of the World" and Michael's belief in resilience and maintaining innocence in the face of difficult circumstances. But it could also be argued that this poem is a kind of call to action, not specifically to "children," but to all of us.

Link to interview with David Nordhal: https://www.michaeljackson.ch/davidnordahlanglais.htm

In this 7th episode of "Reading Michael Jackson" we will be reading and discussing the piece "But the Heart Said No." This essay, or perhaps prose poem, is a great example of Michael's humanitarian focus, as well as his belief in the inner wisdom and hopefulness that children possess, which could inspire all of us. In this piece, Michael explores the justification of homelessness, climate change, and more, calling each one of us to consider what we believe deep in our hearts when it comes to progress.

On the surface, "When Babies Smile" may seem like a simple poem, but it is ripe for discussion and dissection. How much of this poem was literal and how much was symbolic? What can we take from this piece and apply to our own lives? Tune in for a deep dive and discussion in this 6th episode of "Reading Michael Jackson."

In this short essay "Dance of Life," Michael interacts with the moon. Driven to return to her and dance in her presence, he gets lost in his own transcendence. In this episode, we read and discuss "Dance of Life" and the many symbolic meanings of the moon and how we might interpret Michael's relationship to it.

"Wings Without Me" is the first "reflection" we are discussing from "Dancing the Dream." It is the first piece with a narrative voice and "characters" that interplay in the narrator's attempt to find meaning in his own limitations of flight. It is a deep and moving piece that offers insight into Michael's philosophies about life, as well as his struggles to understand it.

Michael's poem "Magical Child" can be read in a multitude of ways. But what does it say about his view of his own childhood, or the many ways he was said to have maintained a "childlike" aura throughout his life? Tune in to hear a reading and discussion of this beautiful piece.

In this second episode of Reading Michael Jackson we focus on the poem "Planet Earth," reading it and discussing elements of Michael's perspectives on the planet and (possible?) existential angst.

As referenced in the episode, if you have not listened to Michael's own reading of "Planet Earth" check it out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCxy8PmljSE

You may also be interested in Carl Sagan's "Pale Blue Dot," also referenced in the discussion portion of the episode:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO5FwsblpT8