The Poetic Turn

In this episode, Darren and Evan delve into Shakespeare's Sonnet 29, exploring its relevance, emotional depth, and especially the wonderful example it gives of a poetic turn.

Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com

Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com

Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

The conversation with Mark Yakich delves into the emotional connection and playfulness of language in poetry. It begins with an introduction to Mark and his influence on the hosts, followed by a discussion on Mark's journey to poetry and the impact of poetry on his life. The exploration of Mark's work and the power of language in poetry are also highlighted, emphasizing the depth and emotional resonance of poetic expression. The conversation delves into the significance of re-reading poetry to deepen the connection and understanding of the verses. It explores the underrated nature of William Shakespeare as a poet and the choice of medium between prose and poetry. Additionally, it highlights the impact of reading poetry aloud and the nuances of language and line breaks in poetry.

Takeaways

• Poetry as a means of emotional connection
• The playfulness and depth of language in poetry Re-reading poetry enhances connection
• The depth of poetry requires multiple readings

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Mark Yakich
• 08:55 Exploring Poetry through Mark's Work
• 18:11 The Power of Language in Poetry
• 25:19 The Art of Re-reading Poetry
• 37:00 Choosing the Medium: Prose vs. Poetry
• 42:25 The Impact of Reading Poetry Aloud

Poetry: A Survivors Guide

The Poetry Reader: An Anthology

Poets mentioned:

Vasko Popa

Zbigniew Herbert

Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com

Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com

Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

Explore profound themes in Carl Sandburg's poetry, in this case focusing on the collective power of the people and the importance of remembrance. This discussion delves into Sandburg's poetic definitions, historical context, and the enduring relevance of his work.

keywords:

Carl Sandburg, poetry, collective power, remembrance, American literature, poetry analysis, Chicago poets

key  topics:

• Sandburg's definitions of poetry
• The collective voice of the people
• The importance of remembrance in history
• Imagery and language in Sandburg's poetry
• The historical and cultural context of Sandburg's work

takeaways:

• Poetry offers a glimpse into the poet's world and the collective consciousness.
• Remembering history is crucial to prevent repeating past mistakes.
• Sandburg's poetry elevates the common people to the level of great historical figures.
• The imagery of storms and prairie symbolizes resilience and the passage of time.
• The act of forgetting is easy; the act of remembering requires effort and intention.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Poetic Turn and Carl Sandburg

02:05 Sandburg's Definitions of Poetry: A Glimpse into the Poet's Mind

03:50 The Power of the Collective: 'I Am the People, the Mob'

06:04 Imagery and Themes: Storms, Prairie, and Blood

08:06 The Call to Remember: Lessons from History

10:05 Historical Context: Lincoln, Napoleon, and American Identity

12:09 Sandburg's Style: Free Verse and Long Lines

14:16 The Urgency of the Message: Don't Forget

15:54 The Role of the People in Shaping History

18:11 The Power of Poetry to Inspire Collective Memory

20:05 Conclusion: Embracing the Voice of the People and the Poet

22:07 Final Reflections

Carl Sandburg's 'Chicago Poems' - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Chicago+Poems+Carl+Sandburg

A link to I Am The People, The Mob

Carl Sandburg reading a poem on The Ed Sullivan show!

Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com

Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com

Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

In the realm of poetry, few figures stand as tall as William Butler Yeats, whose works resonate with profound imagery and spiritual depth. In this post, we'll explore Yeats' poem "The Fisherman," a piece that not only showcases his literary genius but also reflects his complex relationship with art and its audience. 

William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet, dramatist, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. His work is deeply intertwined with Irish culture and mythology, often reflecting the political and spiritual turmoil of his time. Yeats believed poetry should evoke a trance-like state, merging the realms of the awake and the dream world.

The poem The Fisherman

Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com

Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com

Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

In the realm of poetry, few figures stand as tall as William Butler Yeats, whose works resonate with profound imagery and spiritual depth. In this post, we'll explore Yeats' poem "The Fisherman," a piece that not only showcases his literary genius but also reflects his complex relationship with art and its audience. 

William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet, dramatist, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. His work is deeply intertwined with Irish culture and mythology, often reflecting the political and spiritual turmoil of his time. Yeats believed poetry should evoke a trance-like state, merging the realms of the awake and the dream world.

The poem The Fisherman

Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com

Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com

Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

In this episode of The Poetic Turn, we dive into the poetry of one of America’s most renowned poets, Emily Dickinson. Known for her unique style and introspective themes, Dickinson’s work remains relevant and compelling. 

Across the centuries, Emily Dickinson’s poetry has continued to speak to us about the fundamental aspects of human existence. Her ability to distill complex emotions into simple yet profound language makes her work timeless. If you’re inspired to explore more of her poetry, check out collections available through the Gutenberg Project, which provides free access to many of her poems. 

Here’s a link to the poem THE BATTLE-FIELD.

A link to Heart, we will forget him!

And here’s Dickinson’s famous poem, THE SNAKE. This link also contains an image of the actual poem as written by Dickinson, which is interesting.

A link to the Gutenberg Project page with hundreds of Dickinson poems. 

A link to the Nick Lowe song, Heart.

Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com

Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com

Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

Austin Smith is the author of two collections, Flyover Country (2018) and Almanac (2013), both published by Princeton University Press. He has been awarded a Wallace Stegner Fellowship, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Amy Lowell Poetry Travelling Scholarship. He is a Jones Lecturer at Stanford University.

## Understanding the Connection: Why Poetry?

Poetry often serves as a window into our emotions, allowing us to express what we feel but cannot articulate. In our conversation with Austin, he articulates the idea that poems are almost like monologues for readers, inviting them to inhabit the poem's world. This immersive experience is what makes poetry so compelling. 

### The Role of Language in Poetry

Austin emphasizes the significance of language in poetry, suggesting that it often achieves a kind of perfection that is harder to find in prose. The brevity of poetry allows for a concentrated expression of thought, where every word matters.

### The Impact of Personal Background

Growing up on a dairy farm in Northwestern Illinois, Austin's roots influence his work. He reflects on how his pastoral upbringing shapes his perspective and informs his poetry. Even as he now lives in San Francisco, the imagery and themes from his Midwestern background continue to resonate in his writing. 

Poetry is more than just words on a page; it’s a powerful medium that connects us to our emotions, experiences, and each other. As we explored with Austin Smith, the art of poetry has the potential to resonate deeply, inviting readers to engage in a dialogue with the text and with themselves.

The poem The Brinkmeiers

The poem Lambs

Austin Smith’s Substack, which features new poetry regularly. 

Austin’s books can be found here and elsewhere: Almanac and Flyover Country.

Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com

Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com

Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

Austin Smith is the author of two collections, Flyover Country (2018) and Almanac (2013), both published by Princeton University Press. He has been awarded a Wallace Stegner Fellowship, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Amy Lowell Poetry Travelling Scholarship. He is a Jones Lecturer at Stanford University.

In the world of literature, poetry holds a unique and powerful place. Why is it that poems resonate so deeply with us? In this podcast, we explore the insights of poet Austin Smith, who shares his journey through the world of poetry and the profound impact it has had on his life and work. Join us as we uncover why poetry matters and how it can enrich our lives.

## Understanding the Connection: Why Poetry?

Poetry often serves as a window into our emotions, allowing us to express what we feel but cannot articulate. In our conversation with Austin, he articulates the idea that poems are almost like monologues for readers, inviting them to inhabit the poem's world. This immersive experience is what makes poetry so compelling. 

### The Role of Language in Poetry

Austin emphasizes the significance of language in poetry, suggesting that it often achieves a kind of perfection that is harder to find in prose. The brevity of poetry allows for a concentrated expression of thought, where every word matters. This meticulous attention to language is what sets poetry apart as an art form.

### The Impact of Personal Background

Growing up on a dairy farm in Northwestern Illinois, Austin's roots influence his work. He reflects on how his pastoral upbringing shapes his perspective and informs his poetry. Even as he now lives in San Francisco, the imagery and themes from his Midwestern background continue to resonate in his writing. 

## Key Takeaways from Our Conversation

- Poetry Connects Us: It provides a way to articulate emotions and experiences.

- Language is Crucial: The precision of language in poetry creates a unique form of expression.

- Personal Background Shapes Perspective: Austin's upbringing influences his writing, demonstrating the impact of personal history on art.

- Transforming Narratives: Poets can take real-world events and craft them into compelling stories.

Poetry is more than just words on a page; it’s a powerful medium that connects us to our emotions, experiences, and each other. As we explored with Austin Smith, the art of poetry has the potential to resonate deeply, inviting readers to engage in a dialogue with the text and with themselves.

The poem The Brinkmeiers

The poem Lambs

Austin Smith’s Substack, which features new poetry regularly. 

Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com

Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com

Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

Welcome to the latest episode of The Poetic Turn! Have you ever wondered how poets see the world differently? In this episode, we dive deep into the creative mind of Dan Smart, a prolific poet, who shares his experiences and insights on writing and the nature of poetry. From the beauty of everyday moments to the meditation of writing, this conversation reveals how poetry can help us discover a different way of engaging with the world.

## About Dan Smart

Dan Smart is a talented poet and writer based in Chicago, known for his ability to capture the essence of everyday life through his poetry. He has a popular blog where he shares his work, and his recent book, Flowers of Nonchalance, showcases his unique voice and perspective on the world.

## The Poet's Perspective on Everyday Life

In our conversation, Dan shares how poets experience the world differently. "It's a noticing life," he explains. Poets like Dan are constantly seeking out beauty and surprise in the mundane. He describes writing poetry as a meditative practice, allowing him to pay careful attention to the world around him. This attentiveness not only enriches his creative process but also helps him navigate life’s anxieties.

## The Creative Process: From Observation to Creation

Dan emphasizes that poetry isn't just about capturing a moment; it's about exploring the deeper truths within those moments. He explains that ideas often come during the writing process itself, rather than as fully formed thoughts. This means that poets must be open to discovery, allowing their writing to evolve organically.

### Tips for Aspiring Poets

1. Keep a Journal: Regularly jot down observations and feelings to spark creativity.

2. Read Widely: Exposure to different styles and voices can inspire your own writing.

3. Embrace Imperfection: Don’t aim for perfection; let your ideas flow freely and refine them later.

In our discussion, we also explore a few of Dan's poems. "At the Crosswalk" captures the feeling of being small in a bustling city. The imagery he uses evokes a sense of freedom and wonder, reminding us that even in urban settings, nature plays a significant role in our experiences. And in "The Defense Rests," the poet, startled by nature's beauty, engages very directly with faith.

## Conclusion

Dan Smart’s insights into the world of poetry remind us that there is beauty in every moment if we choose to notice it. By cultivating mindfulness and creativity, we can enhance our lives and the lives of those around us through the art of poetry. If you're interested in exploring more about Dan and his work, check out his blog and Flowers of Nonchalance.

The poem The Defense Rests

The poem At The Crosswalk

Dan Smart's blog Rhythm is the Instrument

Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com

Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com

Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

In this episode, poet Diego Baez discusses the significance of poetry in fostering understanding across divides, shares insights into his creative process, and reads his evocative poem 'Regalito.' We explore themes of language, heritage, and the power of poetry to connect generations and cultures.

keywords

Poetry, Language, Heritage, Cultural Identity, Creative Process, 'Regalito', Diego Baez, Poetry in Education, Bilingualism, Cultural Heritage

key topics

• The role of poetry in fostering understanding and connection
• The significance of language and heritage in personal identity
• The creative process behind writing 'Regalito' and other poems

takeaways

• Poetry helps bridge divides by highlighting similarities and shared human experiences.
• Language is a vital part of cultural identity and heritage, often passed down through family and community.
• The process of writing poetry involves both factual memory and poetic truth, which may not always align.
• Sharing poetry in educational settings can inspire and connect with young people, fostering a love for the art form.

sound bites

"Poetry feels natural and makes the most sense to me."

"The best poems are true, even if they're not always factual."

"There's not a word for that in Spanish."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:06 Poetry's Role in Bridging Divides

03:23 The Personal Significance of Poetry

05:38 Reading 'Regalito'

07:11 Language, Heritage, and Cultural Identity

09:56 Poetry in Education and Outreach

14:39 Writing 'Regalito' and Creative Process

19:19 The Significance of Heritage Languages

24:59 Closing Remarks and Final Reading

resources

Diego Baez's Website, where you can find his book - https://diegobiaz.com

Diamond Sharp - Super Sad Black Girl

Jordan Perez - Santa Tarantula

Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com

Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com

Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art