Words That Burn

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. Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack [https://open.substack.com/pub/wordsthatburn/p/an-interview-with-jamie-mckendrick?r=th4eb&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true] Follow the Podcast On Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wordsthatburnpodcast/] Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter [https://twitter.com/wordsthatburn] Follow the Podcast on Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@wordsthatburn2?lang=en] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Donation Link:  Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: http://www.ipsc.ie/support/donate [http://www.ipsc.ie/support/donate] 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 [https://shows.acast.com/words-that-burn/episodes/earth-presses-against-us-by-mahmoud-darwish] Listen to the Episode on Fadwa Tuqan [https://shows.acast.com/words-that-burn/episodes/the-deluge-and-the-tree-by-fadwa-tuqan] Listen to the Episode on Najwan Darwish [https://shows.acast.com/words-that-burn/episodes/nothing-more-to-lose-by-najwan-darwish] Listen to the Episode on Noor Hindi [https://shows.acast.com/words-that-burn/episodes/fuck-your-lecture-on-craft-my-people-are-dying-by-noor-hindi] Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack [https://open.substack.com/pub/wordsthatburn/p/oh-rascal-children-of-gaza-by-khaled?r=th4eb&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true] Follow the Podcast On Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wordsthatburnpodcast/] Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter [https://twitter.com/wordsthatburn] Follow the Podcast on Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@wordsthatburn2?lang=en] The Music In This Week's Episode: 'Echoes' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 Follow the Podcast: Substack [https://open.substack.com/pub/wordsthatburn/p/there-are-mornings-by-lisel-mueller?r=th4eb&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true] Follow the Podcast On Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wordsthatburnpodcast/] Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter [https://twitter.com/wordsthatburn] Follow the Podcast on Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@wordsthatburn2?lang=en] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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. * 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. Follow Sam [https://www.instagram.com/if_a_leaf_falls_press/] Follow the Podcast: Substack [https://open.substack.com/pub/wordsthatburn/p/an-interview-with-sam-riviere-on?r=th4eb&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true] Follow the Podcast On Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wordsthatburnpodcast/] Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter [https://twitter.com/wordsthatburn] Follow the Podcast on Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@wordsthatburn2?lang=en] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 Follow the Podcast: Substack [https://open.substack.com/pub/wordsthatburn/p/the-god-of-stories-by-rowan-ricardo?r=th4eb&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true] Follow the Podcast On Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wordsthatburnpodcast/] Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter [https://twitter.com/wordsthatburn] Follow the Podcast on Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@wordsthatburn2?lang=en] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.