Words That Burn - Poetry Podcast

In this episode, we reflect upon the profound impact of Seamus Heaney, celebrating the tenth anniversary of the poet’s passing by examining his poignant piece, "The Haw Lantern."

We explore:

• The rich, multifaceted landscapes in Heaney's poetry, capturing the essence of Ireland with raw, genuine portrayals.
• Heaney’s unique ability to intertwine dense, academic poetic language with relatable narratives, allowing readers to experience and inhabit the worlds he depicts.
• Heaney’s intertwining of classical references and Irish folklore, from Diogenes's lantern to the symbolic Hawthorn Tree, weaving a tapestry of interconnected myths and truths.
• Heaney’s reflections on the socio-political chaos, known as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and his exploration of hope and self-respect amidst turmoil.
• The significance of "The Haw Lantern," a title piece that encapsulates Heaney’s quest for unearthing truth and illuminating the opaque aspects of human experience.

Featured Poem: "The Haw Lantern"

This titular poem, from his 1987 collection, serves as a beacon, revealing Heaney's introspective journey and his grappling with the transient nature of life, death, and everything in between. As we dissect the poem, the layers of meaning unfold, demonstrating Heaney's intricate intertwining of personal and universal truths.

About Seamus Heaney:

Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995, Heaney’s legacy as a poetic titan remains evergreen, providing solace and insight to both avid poetry enthusiasts and casual readers. His melding of mythology and reality offers a fresh perspective on contemporary issues while retaining the essence of timeless wisdom.

The Poem

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The music in this episode is Textures by Okaya

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What does it mean to truly grieve and can we ever move on from it?. In this episode, I explore OBIT [Ambition] by Victoria Chang, a poignant reflection on how we grieve not just physical deaths but abstract losses as well. Delve deep into the background of Chang’s 2020 collection, "OBITS", and understand the inspiration and intention behind her poetic obituaries. Join me in decoding this evocative poem that intertwines grief, ambition, memory, and more. Whether you're a poetry enthusiast or someone navigating the maze of grief, Chang's words will resonate deeply.

The Poem

T.S. Eliot's Rhapsody on a Windy Night

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The Music in this week's episode is Mindfulness by Aija Alsina

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Delve into the poetic world of Mahmoud Darwish on this week's episode of Words That Burn. Uncover the heart-wrenching narrative of "Earth Presses Against Us" from his 1986 anthology, "Fewer Roses." .

Often considered to be Palestine's most important poet, Darwish's poetic expanse narrates the profound pain and oppression of immigrants, particularly from the Palestinian perspective. Born in the Palestinian village of Birweh, Darwish became an emblem of resistance and a voice of lamentation after witnessing the demolition of his home by Israeli forces.

Through poetic analysis, we trace the suffocating journey of a fleeing group of refugees, unearthing the symbolism of stones, and the essence of identity in exile, and the hope of the olive tree while we do so. All this punctuated by looking at the style and technique that made Darwish a titan of poetry.

By the end, we confront the inevitability of sacrifice and the everlasting hope embedded in the iconic Palestinian olive tree. Whether you're a long-time fan of Darwish or just starting, this episode is a poignant journey into the resilience and heartache of the Palestinian spirit. Join me as we uncover the layers of one of Palestine's most compelling poets.

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This week's episode is deep dive into the unflinching poetry of Irish poet, Molly Twomey.

It looks at the complex layers of Twomey's poignant masterpiece, "Knives We Used on Our Skin".

This compelling exploration of the turbulence of youth, nestled in the serenity of the Irish countryside, presents a raw and intimate portrayal of the trials of adolescence.

In this analysis, we'll traverse the emotional landscape of self-harm, adolescent insecurities, and the oft-overlooked connection between humans and the natural world.

A must-listen for poetry lovers, and for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the struggles of youth, and the potential pathways to recovery.

*Trigger Warning: Includes references to eating disorders and self-harm.

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Dive into the realm of self-compassion and forgiveness in this episode of 'Words That Burn'. We delve deep into the transformative words of Nobel laureate Derek Walcott, particularly focusing on his acclaimed poem 'Love After Love'.

Walcott's poetry shines a light on the intricate dynamics of self, identity, and culture within the larger context of Western literature. His powerful verses have not only earned him significant accolades, including the MacArthur Genius Grant, but have also stirred controversy and discussion amongst his contemporaries.

In 'Love After Love', we explore how Walcott masterfully navigates the journey of personal healing and self-reconciliation through evocative imagery and poignant themes. We also uncover Walcott's unique perspective on his position within the Western literary canon, sparking an insightful look at the role of cultural identity in literature.

Join me as we unravel the intricacies of Walcott's poetry, hear snippets from thought-provoking interviews, and delve into what led to the enduring influence of Walcott's work.

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When we are forced to leave a life behind, what price do we truly pay. This question is the one at the heart of Warsan Shire's poem Midnight In the Foreign Food Aisle.

Join me as I delve into this incredible portrayal of her uncle. Warsan Shire can only be described as a poetry superstar, who has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. From becoming London's first young poet laureate to collaborating with none other than Beyoncé on her album LemonadeShire has made a remarkable impact in the world of poetry.

But those achievements are only a small part of what makes her writing so powerful. Warsan writes with a raw emotion that connects directly with her readers, and her unflinching approach to writing about her own feelings, family relationships, and the world at large has earned her immense popularity.

In this episode, we'll explore the way in which Shire's culture and upbringing in North West London have shaped her unique writing style and crystal clear observations of others.

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The music in this week's episode is Little Fire by Tamuz Dekel

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How can we make peace with an ending? Can we make peace with them at all. In this episode of Words That Burn, we'll be taking a closer look at the poetry of the late Charles Simic. The episode will focus on his poem Car Graveyard, a wonderful showcase of all the talents he possessed as a poet. The poem looks at a pivotal moment in the youth of the poet, whilst simultaneously deconstructing the oft overlooked side of the American Dream. Throughout, we will be sure to point out the themes and techniques that earned Charles Simic his position as 15th Poet Laureate of the United States. His was a voice of the displaced and alienated; one which will be sorely missed.

Some of my favourite Simic poems:

Mummy's Curse

Private Eye

Come Winter

The Friends of Heraclitus

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The music in this week's episode is Golden Hour by Jonas Kolberg

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I have a chat with Irish poet Luke Morgan about his latest collection Beast and all the themes of shape shifting and transformation that are in it. We talk about the ways we carve out identities and the various metaphors and coping mechanisms we develop to navigate that.

Luke Morgan's poetry collection "Beast" was published in 2022 by Arlen House. His debut, "Honest Walls" was published in 2016 when he was 22 years old. His work has appeared in numerous publications around the world. He is also an award-winning filmmaker. He lives and works in Galway, Ireland. 

Luke Morgan Twitter: https://twitter.com/lukemorganpoet

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Change is hard, it’s a well worn statement. It can be difficult for us personally to go through, it can be difficult for others to accept. Despite all that the hardest aspect of it may be when change fails to come and we are trapped in the same relentless situations. 

This poem, Cotton Candy On A Rainy Day, tackles change in its many frustrating forms. It comes at a point of tremendous change in the life of poet Nikki Giovanni. In many ways it symbolises a massive transition in the viewpoint and beliefs of the poet.

She achieves this using the seeming innocent image of cotton candy to show just how difficult the journey of personal growth can be, personally and for those around you.

Revolutionary Dreams by Nikki Giovanni: http://renaissancewedding.org/text/revolutionary_dreams_by_nikki_gi.htm

Show notes:https://wordsthatburn.substack.com/p/cotton-candy-on-a-rainy-day-by-nikki?sd=pf

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Music: Open Ended by Keston Wright - https://artlist.io/artist/832/keston-wright

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What does it feel like when we burn for those we love? Do we burn more in their presence or in their absence? More importantly what is the line between love and worship? All these questions are tackled in Clifton Gachagua's A Bronze God, or a Letter On Demand. In it a speaker spills a monologue of devotion to their love, both their physical presence and the memory of them. Gachagua's imagery moves fluidly together, washing over the reader in a cascade of fragments and glimpses. It shows us how those we love can linger about us both in body and mind.

Show notes: https://wordsthatburn.substack.com/p/a-bronze-god-or-a-letter-on-demand?sd=pf

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Where The Wind Blows by Sean Williams: https://artlist.io/song/95474/where-the-wind-blows

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