Words That Burn

This week on Words That Burn, I am joined by poet Camille Ralphs, whose debut collection After You Were, I Am mesmerises with its vibrant exploration of historical and mythological narratives often overlooked. In this enlightening interview, Ralphs shares the inspiration behind her compelling work, featured in esteemed publications like the New York Review of Books and the Times Literary Supplement. Discover the electrifying language and empathetic depth that animate figures from Elizabethan occultists to the Pendle Witches, offering a fresh perspective on their lives and legacies. Listen an Ralphs' recites three poems from the collection that are all at once technically masterful yet poignantly human.Ralphs' fascination with the Elizabethan Gothic, her innovative wordplay, and the profound empathy woven through her poems offer a rich tapestry of the past and present. From there, Ralphs' discusses her creative process, her exploration of form and language, and the intriguing blend of historical research and personal reflection that shapes her poetry. Thanks a million to Camille for coming on and discussing all this with me. It was a really fun conversation.Follow Camille RalphsBuy After You Were, I amFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on Tiktok

Welcome to this special Seachtain Na Gaeilge edition of Words That Burn, where we dive deep into the heart of Irish poetry.In this episode, we explore "Doineann" by Caitlín Nic Íomhair, a poignant piece that mirrors the seasonal changes with the personal and linguistic rebirths of its narrator. Translated by the celebrated Colette Bryce for the anthology Calling Cards, this poem is not just a call for the revival of the Irish language but a testament to the enduring connection between our the Irish language and identity.As we navigate through Nic Íomhair's evocative imagery and Bryce's meticulous translation, we unpack the poem's layers, revealing its rich dialogue with nature, language, and decolonisation. This episode also reflects on my personal journey with the Irish language and the broader cultural conversation about its place in modern Ireland.With Seachtain Na Gaeilge upon us, Doineann stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience, urging us to peel away the layers of imposed languages to reveal our true linguistic selves. Caitlín Nic Íomhair's work challenges us to embrace bilingualism not as an afterthought but as an integral part of our identity. This episode aims to shine a light on the transformative power of language and poetry in shaping our collective consciousness.If you're passionate about poetry, language, or the rich tapestry of Irish culture, this episode is for you. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of Irish poetry and its profound impact on our identity and heritage.If this episode resonates with you, please share it with friends, leave us a review, and join our conversation about the power of language and poetry. Your support helps us bring more enriching content to light.Go raibh míle maith agat.Other Gaeilge Poems From Words That Burn: Sceimhle by Nuala Ní DhomhnaillConrioch by Ailbhe Ní GhearbhuighThe Music In This Week's Episode:'The Long Dark' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.auFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on Tiktok

Enter the poetic world of Leonard Cohen with this special episode of Words That Burn, dedicated to the transformative power of love and mysticism in Cohen's work. In this episode, we unravel the layers of "Owning Everything," a poem that captures the essence of Cohen's early poetic ventures through its intricate blend of romantic mysticism, spirituality, and the profound connections between the divine and the mundane.This is a very special episode dedicated to my gorgeous partner, Hannah. We both have a special place in our hearts for the works of Leonard Cohen and he was one of our first great shared loves.Leonard Cohen, known for his cryptic and ethereal presence in the music and literary worlds, started his journey as a poet. His collections, including "Let Us Compare Mythologies," "The Spice Box of the Earth," and "Flowers for Hitler," laid the foundation for a career that would blend love, spirituality, and human experience into a unique artistic expression.I explore how Cohen's work, deeply rooted in love's myriad forms—be it lust, romance, or religious transcendentalism—serves as a testament to his belief in the transformative power of love. Through "Owning Everything," Cohen delves into the intimate connection with the beloved, turning the world around him into an extension of this bond, where even the moon and the river carry the weight of his devotion.Join me as I look at Cohen's evolution from a poet to a music icon, his impact on the singer-songwriter movement, and how his exploration of love and mysticism continues to resonate with audiences today. This episode is not just an analysis of Cohen's work but a tribute to the enduring legacy of a literary and musical legend whose themes of love and divine encounter remain as relevant as ever.Whether you're a lifelong fan of Leonard Cohen or new to his work, this episode offers insightful interpretations and personal reflections on the ways love can shape and transform us. Words That Burn invites you to ponder the depths of Cohen's poetry and its reflection on our own experiences with love, loss, and the quest for meaning.The Music In This Week's Episode:'Within Our Nature' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.auFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on Tiktok

On this episode, I explore the world of Edna St. Vincent Millay, one of America's first celebrity poets. I unravel the layers of "Siege," a poem that showcases Millay's brilliant manipulation of traditional forms to express themes of desire, and the inexorable presence of death.Discover how Millay, a luminary of the 1920s, defied societal norms with her bold exploration of sexuality, politics, and the human condition, earning her a place as a pivotal figure in literary history.I take a closer look at Millay's life, from her stratospheric rise to fame to her untimely decline, shadowed by addiction and loss. Then I focus her groundbreaking work, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Ballad of the Harp Weaver," and how her legacy has been unfairly obscured by her scandalous reputation."Siege" serves as a testament to Millay's mastery of poetic form and her profound insight into the human psyche.Edna St. Vincent Millay was a poet who lived fearlessly, wrote passionately, and left an indelible mark on the world of literature. Whether you're a long-time admirer of Millay or new to her work, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the mind of a poet who dared to challenge the conventions of her time.Key Highlights:Insightful analysis of "Siege," Millay's poignant reflection on mortality and the futility of material possessions.Exploration of Millay's role as a "new woman" of the 1920s, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations.Discussion of Millay's impact on poetry and her controversial personal life, including her affairs and outspoken political views.Examination of Millay's legacy and the modern resurgence of interest in her work.If you're captivated by the blend of beauty and rebellion in Millay's poetry or intrigued by her extraordinary life, don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with fellow poetry enthusiasts. Your support helps us bring the transformative power of poetry to more listeners.The Music In This Week's Episode:'Reawakening' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.auThe New Yorker ArticleFollow 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/donateOn this episode of Words That Burn, I take a look at the poignant work of Palestinian poet Najwan Darwish and his devastating poem "Nothing More to Lose." This poem was written over ten years ago, but its message seems more important and contemporary today than ever before. His words explore the heart-wrenching realities of Palestinian life under occupation. The poem, expertly translated by Kareem James Abu-Zeid, serves as a testament to the physical, spiritual, and cultural losses endured by the Palestinian people.Recorded against the backdrop of ongoing turmoil in Palestine, this episode sheds light on the relentless attempts by the Israeli government to erase Palestinian identity, culture, and existence. The poem delves into the history and significance of key locations of Palestine, such as the madrasah of Saladin, the village of Lifte, and the Sea of Galilee, bringing to life the sounds, sights, and emotions tied to these places.Learn more about Najwan Darwish's unique poetic style, his refusal to adhere to a consistent poetic voice, and his critical examination of not only the Israeli occupation but also the wider political and cultural issues within Palestine.Discover how poetry by Darwish, acts as a historical witness to the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people.The Music In This Week's Episode:'Cicadas' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.auListen to the Episode on Mahmoud DarwishListen to the Episode on Fadwa TuqanFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on Tiktok

In this episode, we explore Susannah Dickey’s Outtake #3, a thought-provoking piece from her debut collection, Isdal. This poem critically examines the true crime genre, questioning the ethics of deriving entertainment from real-life tragedies.Dickey’s work is inspired by the mysterious case of the Isdal Woman, weaving a narrative that challenges our fascination with true crime. Through a fictional podcast setting, the poet addresses the problematic nature of exploiting such stories for entertainment. The poem critiques the voyeuristic tendencies in true crime consumption and the moral dilemmas faced by creators and audiences alike.In Outtake #3, Dickey confronts the normalisation of violence against women in media. The poem begins by dismissing the notion that consuming stories of femicide is subversive, drawing parallels with other acts of accepted cruelty. It then moves into a reflective phase, examining the thin line between observing, studying, and committing acts of violence.The poem concludes with a sharp turn, highlighting the commercial aspects of podcast production. This ending serves as a stark reminder of the industry's prioritisation of profit over ethical storytelling.All of this serves to show how Susannah Dickey is a poet specialising in building intricate verse that makes her readers think about and examine the established in whole new ways.Susannah Dickey grew up in Derry and now lives in London. She is the author of four poetry pamphlets, I had some very slight concerns (2017), genuine human values (2018), bloodthirsty for marriage (2020), and Oh! (2022). Her poetry has been published in The TLS, Poetry London, and Poetry Ireland Review. Her short fiction has been published in The Dublin Review and The White Review.The Music In This Week's Episode:'Effervescence' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.auFollow Susannah Dickey:InstagramXFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on Tiktok

In this episode of "Words That Burn," I delve into the enthralling microcosm of James Tate's poem "Dear Reader."Our journey through "Dear Reader's" 13 lines reveals the intricate layers and emotional depth that Tate, a beloved poet of the surreal, weaves into his direct dialogue with the reader. His poem is sometimes playful in tone, other times pure tongue in cheek, but always draws the reader deeper and deeper into the lines.I will look at Tate's distinct blend of suspenseful and macabre imagery. His ability to juxtapose the difficulties and joys of the everyday is a highlight of this episode, demonstrating why Tate's work is so popular among poets and poetry enthusiasts alike.I dissect each segment of "Dear Reader" in this insightful episode, beginning with its enigmatic opening lines. We delve into Tate's poem's symbolism and thematic content, discussing its implications for the nature of poetry and its impact on both readers and writers. Which can be devastating and illuminating in equal measureLearn more about James Tate's distinct style and his impact on the poetry community. Tate's experimental approach and distinct way of avoiding confessional poetry have established him as a significant figure in modern literary studies. and explain why he's considered the godfather of American surrealist poetry.The Eileen Myles Episode The Charles Simic EpisodeThe Frank O' Hara EpisodeThe Music In This Week's Episode:'Phase Shift' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.auFollow 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/donate*correction: In the episode I mistakenly say the Ireland Solidary Palestine Campaign or ISPC, it is in fact the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign or IPSC apologies for this. In this episode, we explore "The Deluge and the Tree" by the renowned Palestinian poet Fadwa Tuqan (1917-2003), a voice of defiance and hope amidst the struggles of the Palestinian people. As Palestine faces ongoing challenges since October 7, 2023, we turn to Tuqan's work to shed light on the enduring spirit of resistance and resilience.Fadwa Tuqan, born into a turbulent era in Nablus, Palestine, witnessed first-hand the hardships of occupation and displacement, experiences that deeply influenced her poetry. Despite facing a conservative upbringing and limited formal education, Tuqan's poetic journey, initially guided by her brother, Ibrahim Tuqan, evolved to echo the cries of her people. Her early works, published under the pseudonym Dananir, touched on themes of women's silencing and the need for Muslim feminism.The pivotal year of 1948, marked by the Nakba – the mass displacement of Palestinians – transformed Tuqan's poetic voice into a beacon of political resistance. Her words became a rallying cry against the injustices faced by her people, particularly following the second wave of displacement in 1967, known as the Naksa."The Deluge and the Tree," a poem from her 1988 collection "Daily Nightmares," masterfully intertwines nature imagery with the Palestinian struggle. The hurricane symbolizes the invading forces, while the resilient tree represents the enduring Palestinian spirit. This metaphor extends throughout the poem, reflecting Tuqan's deep connection to her land and her people's unwavering determination to resist and reclaim their identity.As we analyse this powerful poem, we also recognize the importance of poetry in Arab culture – not as an elite art form but as a medium of mass appeal and spontaneous reaction to events. Tuqan's work, like that of her contemporaries, served as a vital tool in nurturing Palestinian nationalism and hope.Join us in this episode as we dive deep into "The Deluge and the Tree," understanding its historical context, symbolism, and the lasting impact of Fadwa Tuqan's words.Listen to the Episode on Mahmoud DarwishFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on Tiktok

Join us in this riveting episode of Words That Burn, where we delve into the poetic and mental health journey of Daragh Fleming, an acclaimed poet and mental health advocate from Cork, Ireland. Daragh, the voice behind the award-winning Thoughts Too Big blog and author of the poignant collection "Lonely Boy," shares his insights into how poetry serves as a bridge to mental wellness and personal expression.In this exclusive interview, Daragh opens up about the therapeutic role of poetry in his life, especially during his early twenties when he battled depression. He discusses his latest works, including the highly commended pamphlet "The Hole," and his upcoming collection "Enigmatic," revealing the intricate process of creating art that resonates with themes of masculinity, loneliness, and mental health.Discover how Daragh leverages social media platforms like TikTok to bring his conversational poetry style to a broader audience, breaking down barriers and challenging the traditional notions of masculinity in Irish culture. His candid reflections on performing poetry, the impact of language, and the importance of authenticity will inspire both poetry enthusiasts and mental health advocates alike.Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Daragh's work, this episode promises a deep dive into the intersection of mental health and poetry, offering a fresh perspective on how words can heal, connect, and transform us.Daragh's Social MediaFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on Tiktok