In this episode we revisit Walt Whitman's epic poem, "Song of Myself." Today we look at part 6, where a child asks Uncle Walt, "what is the grass?" We get more into Whitman's understanding of interconnectedness and a surprising view of death.

You can find the full text of this poem here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45477/song-of-myself-1892-version

In this episode we continue the Psalmist Project with Psalm 145. My version of this psalm is called "Compassion." The etymology of 'compassion' is 'to suffer with.' In this poem, I take a look at what it means that God has compassion on us, that he suffers with us.

You can find full text of the poem and the psalm here: http://www.selahpoetry.com/2018/02/06/psalm-145-compassion/

This episode we return to "Song of Myself" and take a look at part 5. As you recall, Walt left us off discussing the part of him that is him but not him, integral to his identity but not physically located. Here he names it: his soul. We'll look into the part of ourselves which is not ourselves and the value of loafing. Like bread, but spiritual.

Full text for the poem can be found here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45477/song-of-myself-1892-version

Here we read my poem about the new year titled, "To Fight Off the Cold." This is a poem of reflection about making it through a year and the preposterousness of that all. Somewhere in that, I find myself relating to a barn in Bethlehem.

You can find the full text of the poem here: http://www.selahpoetry.com/2018/01/24/to-fight-off-the-cold-2/

In Episode 17 we go through the writing process of a poem I wrote around and about Christmas called "Incarnation." I read the final draft of the poem and then the first draft of the poem. From there, I explain how draft one transformed.

You can find the full text of the poem here: http://www.selahpoetry.com/2018/01/16/incarnation/

We go back to Uncle Walt and his epic, 52-part poem "Song of Myself." We take a look at part 4 about the "Me myself" that is apart from all the hubbub, suffering, and striving we find in day-to-day life. Walt begins trying to find out who he is by looking at what he is not, and we follow him there a bit.

For the text of this poem, you can find it here: http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/s_z/whitman/song.htm just make sure to scroll down to part 4.

In this episode, I continue the Psalmist Project with Psalm 30 and my version of it: "Rivers Like Ribbons." This is a poem about time, place, and identity. I explore identity as a beautiful braid of the past, present, and future self and talk about the rivers that make and made me.

For the text of this psalm and this poem, go to: http://www.selahpoetry.com/2018/01/03/psalm-30/

We continue looking at the Psalmist Project with Psalm 28 and my version of it, "There are Rocks Everywhere." This has a relationship with Psalm 28, Bolivia, and 1 Corinthians 10:4. We look into the broken places and find the divine.

You can find the full text for this psalm and this poem at my website here: http://www.selahpoetry.com/2017/12/24/psalm-28/

In this episode, we return to the Psalmist Project and Psalm 80, as well as my version of it, "Girls Make Dirt Bikes Holy." Here we look at the face of God, He looking at us, and us looking at Her. What delights God? Is it as simple as the things that delight us?

For the text of the psalm and this poem, go to: http://www.selahpoetry.com/2017/12/13/psalm-80/

In this episode, I read and discuss "Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman. This is Part 3 of 52. In this, I'm incredibly enthusiastic about Part 3 and apparently having a really good day. In this, Uncle Walt shows us how he is connected to everything. To him, all is one and exists in contradictions. It's confusing and beautiful and I do my best to guide you through it.

In the meantime, go bathe and admire yourself.

If you want the text of this poem, you can find it here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45477/song-of-myself-1892-version