The Poetic Turn

Walt Whitman - Three Poems

Walt Whitman, an iconic figure in American poetry, invites us to explore the essence of humanity through his works. In today’s post, we’ll delve into some of his most resonant poems, reflecting on themes of connection, love, and the joy found in companionship. Whitman’s ability to capture the beauty of everyday moments makes his poetry timeless, and understanding it can enrich our appreciation of literature and life itself. Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was a groundbreaking American poet known for his innovative style and themes of democracy, nature, and human connection. His seminal work, Leaves of Grass, celebrates the individual and the collective, making him a pivotal figure in American literature. Whitman’s poetry often blurs the lines between the personal and the universal, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives in relation to the world around them. I Sing The Body Electric https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45472/i-sing-the-body-electric [https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45472/i-sing-the-body-electric] A Glimpse https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/50478/a-glimpse [https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/50478/a-glimpse] When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45479/when-i-heard-the-learnd-astronomer [https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45479/when-i-heard-the-learnd-astronomer] Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com [http://www.evancarlsonactor.com] Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com [http://www.darrensvoice.com] Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

Robert Burns, with Thomas Keith

The conversation delves into the life and work of Robert Burns, exploring his poetry, the tradition of Burns suppers, the challenge of understanding Scots language in his poetry, and the significance of Scotland's bawdy song tradition. The use of music in Burns' poetry and the reading and interpretation of his work are also highlighted. Takeaways * Robert Burns' poetry is often set to music, with half of his poems being lyrics to existing melodies. * Burns suppers are a worldwide tradition, celebrated on his birthday with readings, songs, and haggis. * Burns' use of Scots language in his poetry presents a challenge for modern readers * Bawdy poetry was a significant part of Burns' writing * We discuss Robert Burns' reputation and personal life A Red, Red Rose [https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43812/a-red-red-rose] To a Mouse [https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43816/to-a-mouse-56d222ab36e33] John Anderson my jo, John [https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/50357/john-anderson-my-jo-john] Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com [http://www.evancarlsonactor.com] Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com [http://www.darrensvoice.com] Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

Haiku, with Jenny Bienemann

This episode of The Poetic Turn delves into the world of haiku with poet and singer-songwriter Jenny Bienemann. Many singer-songwriters have taken inspiration from Jenny's haiku, and this large group of artists have created an entity that has come to be known as the Haiku Milieu [https://haikumilieu.com/]. From HAIKU MILIEU VOL. 1 FORTHCOMING NEW ALBUM: Friday Night Live Robin Bienemann “Forever Wishing - YouTube [https://youtu.be/v8KwGYfI6f0?si=2DZjK1R0sJ35KIpH]” Old Sky New Rachel Drew “Forever Wishing - Bandcamp [https://racheldrew.bandcamp.com/album/old-sky-new]” Forever wishing To be somewhere else except When I am with you. Single Kelli Owens Hutton: “Car Seat Hot Sun - Youtube [https://youtu.be/7ZrPMWzcA4U?si=kNy2j3vHPDX4HF9C]”   Car seat in the hot sun Hot as the hinges of hell And less forgiving From HAIKU MILIEU VOL. 2 Where It Really Starts by Jon Langford & the Bright Shiners [https://jonlangfordthebrightshiners.bandcamp.com/] “Tell Me Your Stories - YouTube [https://youtu.be/PZWOvrdkEK4?si=X_bZAmmzPp3eWJJC]”   Tell me your story Begin at the beginning and leave nothing out Love Bug Naomi Ashley “Be In Love with You - Bandcam [https://naomiashley.bandcamp.com/album/love-bug]p”   In all that we do We are either making love Or making nothing Pretty Little Bow Jodi Walker “Wandering Eye - YouTub [https://youtu.be/nRc88L71KVQ?si=IK2g28HgBqEHosdU]e”   Can you remember what it felt like to desire all that you have now? From SUNDAYS WITH JENNY Ukulele Duke “With Love Surrounded - YouTube [https://youtu.be/XOoZRRR_xxE?si=DtAzVP4ezjrP5Iae]"   Lay down your weapons Love has got you surrounded There is no way out The most-written-to haiku Jenny shared, that is not in the perfect 575 structure:  tears like stars must fall Hearts like stones must sink Grief like Dawn must break Robert Lloyd and Janet Bean’s cover of Jon Langford’s song: https://readdork.com/track/robert-lloyd-black-cat-dark-horse-d2-3-tears-like-stars [https://readdork.com/track/robert-lloyd-black-cat-dark-horse-d2-3-tears-like-stars] Jon’s version of Tears like Stars on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MObgcP0jEX8 [https://youtu.be/MObgcP0jEX8] ************* Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com [http://www.evancarlsonactor.com] Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com [http://www.darrensvoice.com] Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

The Poetic Turn in Sonnet 29

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 [http://www.evancarlsonactor.com] Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com [http://www.darrensvoice.com] Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

Echo, by Mark Yakich, with an interview

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 [https://www.amazon.com/Poetry-Survivors-Guide-Mark-Yakich-ebook/dp/B0BWRJ53T4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3J9PNQEF6DGP9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.s7x3k5I28YRFJ2XFmJplVQNqUdm6lFeMZh2bDuhlDo0k0Ko-vs9xFWUof30koxI3pdvvHOk1_Cds0u3Twinh3WdODScGoBtixRksEnIqtet8ONKg2EBvfYg_xA_g4DQPz-jQ1O5Dw8ia9iDdtgZb73umYp4-B1sNtjMflqRAZFoHzPo5ove24L7roqHU3sPAlK8rbFcH8EtKK30NJqbLJYnrfOmlG3RyVoRIQ6K70CU.7rDFBxkRdS8H0oJxEPp5NNCjoaJKjCU1JINvCrZyrfk&dib_tag=se&keywords=poetry+a+survivors+guide&qid=1778013446&sprefix=poetry+a+survi%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-1] The Poetry Reader: An Anthology [https://www.amazon.com/Poetry-Reader-Anthology-Mark-Yakich/dp/B0D6XW6W2S/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DC41ELOYV8B0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IRxaRcATntEkSIb0Coz7daDZHndcDWkIDXaTklxwRakWbYxB-W1vD1WxUo7f7iNbGii6IxMScVY4ZnmDZrQ2TImVQPkkdqSBoUs3jJJh8UrsLXgpG0gEXo8tqUj5pJnOOOrfM93PRMa__pwbgZINEKg02IaAKBPvwuCSLtwkmPtnRcolo_rxqRP2lBJjqzSeLJ-dnTo3QZTpBPBOTEZM89uwotA9NLH3zSgwyg5cMNA.0nNo8SnWNP4b72Cg93Bql6sZiSYSsc4unnRdSyzaPCs&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+poetry+reader%2C+yakich&qid=1778015755&sprefix=yakich+poet%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-1] Poets mentioned: Vasko Popa [https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/vasko-popa] Zbigniew Herbert [https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/zbigniew-herbert] Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com [http://www.evancarlsonactor.com] Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com [http://www.darrensvoice.com] Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art