Share
Words That Burn
Taking a Closer Look at Poetry
Latest episode
1. Snowdrops by Louise Glück
19:38||Season 5, Ep. 1Exploring Louise Glück's 'Snowdrops': A Tale of Resilience and RenewalIt's a new year and with it comes the common pressure cooker that is January. You will be awash in a sea of resolutions and you might be feeling the need to ''hit the ground running'' so to speak. In short; I think it's awful. So for the start of 2025, this episode focusing Snowdrops by Louise Glück, a Nobel Prize-winning poet whose work captures the delicate balance of grief, resilience, and renewal.The snowdrop, a fragile yet tenacious bloom of winter, serves as the perfect metaphor for this reflective time of year. Glück's poem speaks to survival, transformation, and the quiet strength required to embrace a new beginning—even amid life's harshest winters.Join me as I unpack Glück’s masterful use of nature as allegory, her stark yet hopeful language, and the universal human experience reflected in her verse. This episode is a poignant reminder that growth often emerges from hardship and that taking time to rest, like the snowdrop buried in the earth, is an essential part of resilience.As we step into 2025, let this poem inspire you to embrace not a blank slate but a continuation—an opportunity to thrive in the raw winds of a new world.Tune in for an insightful and hopeful start to the year. And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—get in touch via email or on social media.Happy New Year, and thank you for being part of the Words That Burn journey.00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts00:47 Welcome to Words That Burn01:19 Louise Gluck and Her Poetic Voice02:23 Themes and Techniques in Gluck's Poetry04:48 Analysis of 'Snowdrops' - First Stanza08:40 Analysis of 'Snowdrops' - Second Stanza11:03 Human Resilience and Renewal14:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections17:17 Thank You Follow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on TiktokFollow the podcast on BlueskyThe Music In This Week's Episode:'At The End Of All Things' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
More episodes
View all episodes
12. November by Maggie Dietz
25:08||Season 4, Ep. 12An In-Depth Analysis of 'November' by Maggie Dietz | Words That Burn PodcastJoin me, your host Ben, in this episode of 'Words That Burn' as I take a closer look at Maggie Dietz's poignant poem 'November.' Together, we'll explore the evocative imagery, the interplay of surface and underlying themes, and Dietz's ability to gild the everyday moments of a bleak month. I'll zone in on how the poem encapsulates the transition from the vibrant October to the cold, harsh November, examining Dietz's unique rhyme scheme, her descriptive prowess, and the cyclical nature of the seasons. Tune in for an enriching examination of how humanity and nature mirror each other in the face of winter's arrival.00:00 November by Maggie Dietz Poetry Reading01:17 Welcome to Words That Burn01:29 October's Splendour and Transition to November03:11 Maggie Dietz's Poetic Style05:23 Analysing the Poem's Imagery and Themes10:19 The Colloquial Voice and Natural Imagery15:39 The Subtle Rhyme Scheme18:03 Humanity's Winter Retreat20:31 Final Reflections on November23:49 ConclusionFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on TiktokThe Music In This Week's Episode:'Midvinter' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
11. If I Must Die by Refaat Alareer
18:14||Season 4, Ep. 11Donation Link: Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: http://www.ipsc.ie/support/donateThe Symbolism and Legacy of Refaat Alareer's WorkIn this episode, we explore 'If I Must Die' by Palestinian poet Refat Al Arir, whose work powerfully voices the struggles and resilience of Palestinians. We delve into Refaat Alareer's , his tragic death in an Israeli airstrike, and the prophetic nature of his poetry. The episode also touches on the symbolic significance of kites in Gaza as emblems of hope and resistance. Alareer's commitment to amplifying Palestinian voices in English and promoting messages of endurance through art is thoroughly examined. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging donations and ongoing support for Palestinian literature and the Palestinian struggle.00:00 A Poetic Legacy: Introduction to Refaat Alareer01:18 The Life and Mission of Refaat Alareer02:09 A Tragic End and a Prophetic Poem04:04 The Global Impact of 'If I Must Die'05:42 Refaat Alareer's Commitment to the Palestinian Cause09:19 Symbols of Hope in Alareer's Work11:26 The Kite: A Symbol of Resistance13:28 Refat Alirear's Defiance and Message of Peace14:47 The Poem's Collective Story of Survival16:23 Call to Action and Closing RemarksListen to more Palestinian poetry:Listen to the Episode on Mahmoud DarwishListen to the Episode on Fadwa TuqanListen to the Episode on Najwan DarwishListen to the Episode on Noor HindiFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on TiktokThe Music In This Week's Episode:'Within Our Nature' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
11. Blossom by Kathleen Jamie
17:06||Season 4, Ep. 11In 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 SupportFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on TiktokThe Music In This Week's Episode:'Reawakening' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
An Interview with Jamie McKendrick
40:47||Season 4Exploring Poetry with Jamie McKendrick: Memory, Mortality, and ArtIn 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 ThoughtsIf 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 SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on Tiktok
10. Oh Rascal Children of Gaza by Khaled Juma
16:27||Season 4, Ep. 10Donation Link: Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: http://www.ipsc.ie/support/donateThis 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 DarwishListen to the Episode on Fadwa TuqanListen to the Episode on Najwan DarwishListen to the Episode on Noor HindiFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on TiktokThe Music In This Week's Episode:'Echoes' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
9. There Are Mornings by Lisel Mueller
19:47||Season 3, Ep. 9In 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 readersLiesl 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 enthusiastsThe Music In This Week's Episode:'Echoes' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.auFollow the Podcast:SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on Tiktok