The Poetic Turn

The Raven, by Edgar Allan Poe

In this episode of the Poetic Turn, Darren and Evan dive into one of the most famous poems in the English language: The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. Along with a reading of the poem and a discussion of it, there is a musical version of the poem performed aaaaall the way back in the 80s, performed by The Four Guys Standing Around Singing, an acappella group in which Darren performed. Love it or hate it, if you listen to this podcast, you'll escape the poem... Nevermore! The Raven, by Edgar Allan Poe [https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48860/the-raven]. 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

Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird, by Wallace Stevens

Wallace Stevens' "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird" is a profound exploration of perception, reality, and the interplay between the observer and the observed. Through its innovative structure and rich imagery, the poem invites readers to engage with the complexities of existence in a meaningful way. As we reflect on Stevens' work, we are reminded of the importance of embracing multiple perspectives and the beauty that lies within the act of observation. Read the poem: Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird [https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45236/thirteen-ways-of-looking-at-a-blackbird] A link to Dan Smart's blog Rhythm is the Instrument: https://www.rhythmistheinstrument.com [https://www.rhythmistheinstrument.com] Dan's book The Flowers of Nonchalance can be found here [https://www.amazon.com/Flowers-Nonchalance-Dan-Smart/dp/1952224284]. 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

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