Words That Burn

In this episode of Words That Burn, I look at 'Blossom' by Scottish poet Kathleen Jamie. The episode explores Jamie's profound engagement with nature and the existential themes woven throughout her poem. Known for her realistic, non-romanticised depictions of the natural world, Jamie’s work prompts reflection on humanity's place in nature. The discussion touches on her careful observation and meditation-like practices in nature. The analysis focuses on the poem's compelling opening line on mortality, its invocation of Biblical imagery, and its ultimate message urging deliberate attention to life and nature. The episode also emphasises the importance of reconnecting with one’s surroundings for a fulfilling life.

• [00:00] Introduction and Blossom Poem
• [00:50] Struggling with Poetry
• [01:19] Discovering 'Blossom' by Kathleen Jamie
• [01:47] Kathleen Jamie's Writing Style
• [04:02] Existential Themes in 'Blossom'
• [04:19] Analysing the First Stanza
• [06:53] Analysing the Second Stanza
• [10:11] Biblical Allusions and Final Stanza
• [14:13] Final Thoughts on 'Blossom'
• [15:33] Engage with Words That Burn
• [15:45] Contact and Support

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The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Reawakening' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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Exploring Poetry with Jamie McKendrick: Memory, Mortality, and Art

In this episode of 'Words That Burn', host Ben interviews Jamie McKendrick, one of Britain's leading poets and a foremost translator of Italian poetry. They walk through McKendrick's newest collection, 'Drypoint,' discussing themes of memory, mortality, art, and the intricate processes behind poetry writing. McKendrick shares insights into his fascination with etching, his (sometimes) laborious poetry process, and the interplay of ancient mythology with modern life. The episode also touches on broader themes like the nature of borders, the role of poetry in contemporary times, and the ecological concerns reflected in his work.

• [00:00] Introduction to the Interview
• [00:47] The Art of Etching and Poetry
• [03:52] Themes of Memory and Mortality
• [05:37] Crafting Poetry: Process and Criticism
• [12:08] Intertextuality and Influences
• [27:04] Liverpool's Influence and Historical Context
• [30:17] Exploring Borders and Ownership
• [34:44] Nature and Mythology in Poetry
• [38:15] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you enjoyed this interview, or know someone who might, please consider sending it to them directly or leaving me a review wherever you listen.

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This episode takes a closer look at Khaled Juma's poignant poem, 'O Rascal Children of Gaza.' .

Written in response to the violence during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, the poem heartbreakingly laments the loss of Gaza's children. The episode highlights the poem's structure, the use of juxtaposition between joyful past and sorrowful present, and its stark portrayal of the silence that follows tragedy. Juma's work is analysed for its simplicity and powerful emotional appeal, showcasing the resilience and grief of the Palestinian people. The poem stands as a testament to the devastating impact of conflict on innocent lives and the unyielding spirit of Palestinian resistance and identity.

Listen to more Palestinian poetry:

Listen to the Episode on Mahmoud Darwish

Listen to the Episode on Fadwa Tuqan

Listen to the Episode on Najwan Darwish

Listen to the Episode on Noor Hindi

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The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Echoes' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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In this week's episode, we take a closer look at "There Are Mornings" by Liesl Mueller. A poem filled with undertones of threatened endings, but one that holds a burning ember of hope at its core that resonates deeply with readers

Liesl Mueller, an American-German poet born in 1924, brings a rich mythological context to her work. "There Are Mornings" intertwines mythological and biblical imagery with the ordinary, creating a compelling narrative that balances inner turmoil with quiet resilience. The poem's structure reflects a journey from a state of dire strife to an affirmation of enduring through the mundane.

Learn more about he poet herself: Forced to flee Nazi Germany in 1939 due to her father’s anti-fascist views, Mueller's early experiences undoubtedly influenced her poetic voice, which emerged in her thirties after the death of her mother.

Join me as we explore the layers of metaphor and myth within this poem, discuss Mueller's masterful use of language, and consider the dual interpretations of its powerful imagery. Is the poem a testament to human resilience or a portrayal of silent suffering?

If you've been enjoying Words That Burn, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps the show reach more poetry enthusiasts

The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Echoes' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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Last week I had an interview with the acclaimed poet Sam Riviere on his new collection Conflicted Copy. As AI technology continues to evolve, many artists feel apprehensive about its impact on their craft. However, Sam has chosen a different path by embracing AI as a unique writing companion, culminating in his innovative poetry collection, Conflicted Copy.

Join us as Sam shares his journey of curiosity and experimentation, exploring how he navigated the creative process with an earlier, less sophisticated AI model during the second wave of COVID-19. We discuss the blurred lines between human authorship and machine-generated text, the challenges of steering AI away from predictable patterns, and the unexpected beauty that emerges from these digital collaborations.

In our conversation, we touch on:

• The inspiration behind Conflicted Copy and its unconventional creation.
• The interplay between human intention and AI's linguistic capabilities.
• The emotional resonance and aesthetic value found in AI's "hallucinations."
• The broader implications of AI in the literary world and the future of creative writing.
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Sam also gives us to a reading of "Safe Poem," a standout piece from his collection that encapsulates the mysterious and multifaceted nature of AI-assisted poetry.

Whether you're a poetry enthusiast, an AI aficionado, or simply curious about the future of artistic expression, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the collaborative possibilities between humans and machines. Tune in to discover how Sam Riviere is redefining the boundaries of poetry in the digital age.

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In this episode, we delve into "The God of Stories," a poignant poem by Rowan Ricardo Phillips from his latest collection, Silver (2024). This piece captures the essence of creation myths and the search for meaning, offering a fresh perspective on how we, as humans, assign significance to gods and everyday achievements alike.

I take a look at the layers of Phillips' verse, exploring themes of perception, identity, and the fluidity of meaning. From the intriguing opening lines to the dense, imagery, I note how Phillips navigates between symbolism and allegory, encouraging us to embrace the transformative power of storytelling.

Discover how the poem's epiphanies and rich metaphors reflect a universal yearning for identity and understanding in a world that often feels void of concrete truths. This episode will guide you through the intricate interplay between seeing and hearing, truth and mystery, and the self-definition found through interpretation.

This poem is a profound meditation on the nature of understanding, as we uncover the liberating potential of ambiguity and the continuous shaping of identity through the stories we tell.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with fellow poetry enthusiasts.

*In the interests of full disclosure I was sent a copy of Silver for review.

The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Echoes' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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On this episode of Words That Burn, I feature the poetry of Milena Williamson, a celebrated poet and author of the haunting collection Into the Night That Flies So Fast published by Daedalus Press. In this episode, Milena shares her journey from Pennsylvania to Belfast, her academic and creative endeavours at Queen's University Belfast, and the deeply personal project that turned into her latest book.

Dive deep into the tragic yet intriguing history of Bridget Cleary, a figure from l Irish history, whose story inspired Milena's collection. Bridget's life, marked by education, independence, and a tragic end, serves as a canvas for Milena's exploration of historical voice and tragedy through poetry and drama.

Milena discusses the unique structure of her collection, blending poetry with theatrical monologues to breathe life into historical figures, each resonating with authentic voices filled with grief, guilt, and the nuances of rural Irish life. Discover how real-life interactions and in-depth research into Irish culture and historical events influenced her poems.

This episode also features Milena reading from her collection, including the powerful poem "Lawful," and discussing the impact of Shakespeare and other literary influences on her work. Gain insights into how she intertwines classical references with the modern-day challenges faced by her characters.

Don't miss this fascinating conversation about creativity, historical reflection, and the power of poetry to address profound human experiences. Tune in to understand how Milena Williamson makes history resonate with today's audience through her compelling narratives and lyrical prowess.

Listen and subscribe to "Words That Burn" for more episodes that delve into the minds of contemporary poets and writers. If you enjoyed the interview, please leave us a review and share the podcast to help us reach more listeners interested in the transformative power of poetry.

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In this week's episode of Words That Burn, I take a look at the powerful poem 'Fuck Your Lecture On Craft, My People Are Dying' by Palestinian American poet Noor Hindi.

The poem found a surge of interest during the lockdowns of 2020 and became phenomenally popular on social media, with thousands of shares and retweets. Given its unflinching disdain for injustice and searing language that refuses to allow passivity to take hold in its audience, it's not hard to see why.

This abrasive but essential poem sheds light on the ongoing plight of the Palestinian people, revealing the grim realities of occupation through poignant imagery. We explore Hindi's critique of colonial mindsets and her challenge to academic conventions, which increasingly seem like hollow, banal rhetoric.

As violence and suffering continue to devastate Gaza, Hindi's words resonate with urgency and a yearning for justice. The poem is her call for decolonised thinking and is an excellent showcase of her ability to connect the personal with the political in a deeply moving way.

I look at Hindi's unique voice as she cuts through layers of rhetoric to present a searingly honest portrait of Palestinian resistance.

Brigid Quirke's Excellent Breakdown of the Poem

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The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Cicadas' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Listen to more Palestinian poetry:

Listen to the Episode on Mahmoud Darwish

Listen to the Episode on Fadwa Tuqan

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This week on Words That Burn, I am joined by poet Camille Ralphs, whose debut collection After You Were, I Am mesmerises with its vibrant exploration of historical and mythological narratives often overlooked.

In this enlightening interview, Ralphs shares the inspiration behind her compelling work, featured in esteemed publications like the New York Review of Books and the Times Literary Supplement.

Discover the electrifying language and empathetic depth that animate figures from Elizabethan occultists to the Pendle Witches, offering a fresh perspective on their lives and legacies.

Listen an Ralphs' recites three poems from the collection that are all at once technically masterful yet poignantly human.

Ralphs' fascination with the Elizabethan Gothic, her innovative wordplay, and the profound empathy woven through her poems offer a rich tapestry of the past and present. From there, Ralphs' discusses her creative process, her exploration of form and language, and the intriguing blend of historical research and personal reflection that shapes her poetry.

Thanks a million to Camille for coming on and discussing all this with me. It was a really fun conversation.

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Welcome to this special Seachtain Na Gaeilge edition of Words That Burn, where we dive deep into the heart of Irish poetry.

In this episode, we explore "Doineann" by Caitlín Nic Íomhair, a poignant piece that mirrors the seasonal changes with the personal and linguistic rebirths of its narrator. Translated by the celebrated Colette Bryce for the anthology Calling Cards, this poem is not just a call for the revival of the Irish language but a testament to the enduring connection between our the Irish language and identity.

As we navigate through Nic Íomhair's evocative imagery and Bryce's meticulous translation, we unpack the poem's layers, revealing its rich dialogue with nature, language, and decolonisation. This episode also reflects on my personal journey with the Irish language and the broader cultural conversation about its place in modern Ireland.

With Seachtain Na Gaeilge upon us, Doineann stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience, urging us to peel away the layers of imposed languages to reveal our true linguistic selves. Caitlín Nic Íomhair's work challenges us to embrace bilingualism not as an afterthought but as an integral part of our identity. This episode aims to shine a light on the transformative power of language and poetry in shaping our collective consciousness.

If you're passionate about poetry, language, or the rich tapestry of Irish culture, this episode is for you. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of Irish poetry and its profound impact on our identity and heritage.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with friends, leave us a review, and join our conversation about the power of language and poetry. Your support helps us bring more enriching content to light.

Go raibh míle maith agat.

Other Gaeilge Poems From Words That Burn:

Sceimhle by Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill

Conrioch by Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh

The Music In This Week's Episode:

'The Long Dark' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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