Words That Burn

Donation 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

In 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

Exploring 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

Donation 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

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 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

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 SamFollow the Podcast:SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on Tiktok