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In the final episode of Words That Burn for 2025, we turn our attention to the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, and the American poet who captured its delicate balance of darkness and light: W.S. Merwin. This episode's poem "The Solstice," a work of minimalist verse that explores the intersection of nature, personal vulnerability, and the cyclical nature of time. This episode traces Merwin’s evolution from a rigid formalist to an experimental voice for environmental activism. It looks at how the poet was heavily influenced by the Vietnam War and the ecological fragility of his adopted home in Hawaii. As we close out a difficult year marked by global conflict and uncertainty, this episode asks: How do we find hope when the days seem at their darkest? Merwin’s work reminds us that even when the sun goes away, it always comes back. Topics Explored: W.S. Merwin’s Evolution: From the classical influence of W.H. Auden to the stark, grounded style of The Lice.Ecopoetry & Activism: How the Vietnam War and the destruction of Hawaiian flora (like the ʻōhiʻas and honeycreepers) radicalised Merwin’s work.Poetic Analysis: Deconstructing the structure of "The Solstice" and how its shrinking stanzas mimic the dwindling daylight of December 21st. Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok Follow the podcast on Bluesky The Music In This Week's Episode: 'Penumbra' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Words That Burn, I'm joined by Irish poet Clíodhna Bhreatnach to discuss her debut pamphlet, Pink Roses and Green. Together, we chat about a collection that sits at the intersection of the "nine-to-five grind," Millennial burnout, and a deep, tactile longing for the natural world. Clíodhna breaks down her unique approach to the "Millennial Lyric"; moving away from the pastoral and into the office kitchenette. We discuss how she navigates the Post-Celtic Tiger landscape, using poetry to document the deformation of human time under late-stage capitalism. We cover other topics like: The Romantic Office: Applying the philosophy of Keats and Wordsworth to photocopiers and Excel spreadsheets.Digital Intimacy: Finding beauty in the "randomised screensavers" of Windows desktops.The "Sick Addiction to Soft Things": Why tactile textures (paper, nature) are vital in a digital world.Writers Groups: The importance of community (specifically the Frustrated Writers Group) in banishing impostor syndrome.References & Recommendations:Bandit Country by James Conor PattersonUnstoppable Utopia by Cassandra MossThe Perfect Season by Sean PearsonThe Lover's Discourse by Anahid Nersessian (Criticism on Keats) About the poet: Clíodhna Bhreatnach is from Waterford and lives in Dublin. Her poems have appeared in Poetry Ireland Review, The Stinging Fly, and The Forward Book of Poetry 2023. She has recently been awarded a Dublin City Council Arts Bursary for 2025. She is the former poetry editor of Frustrated Writers Group. Find the book and the poet: https://cliodhnabhreatnach.com https://greenbottlepress.com/product/pink-roses-green-by-cliodhna-bhreatnach/ Follow the Podcast: Read the Interview on Substack Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok Follow the podcast on Bluesky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Halloween 2025, Words That Burn resurrects one of the most chilling poems in English literature: "This Living Hand" by John Keats. This short, macabre poem wasn't published until 77 years after Keats's death, making it feel like a genuine message from beyond the grave. In this special episode, we explore the poem's dark, gothic imagery and the terrifying "strange bargain" it offers the reader. We dissect its uncanny duality, its sense of dread, and the horrifying biographical context of Keats's final days; a "posthumous existence" of body horror that forged this masterpiece. I look at the poem's vampiric mechanism and Keats's desperate plea, not only for a transfusion of life, but for the artistic immortality he feared he'd never achieve. This episode covers: The dark history of Keats's "This Living Hand."How Keats's embrace of darkness ("the burden of mystery") set him apart from other Romantic poets.A close reading of the poem's body horror, from "earnest grasping" to the "icy silence of the tomb."The link between Keats's final, agonising days and the poem's "vampiric" plea for life.Why this poem is a perfect, terrifying read for the Halloween season. Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok Follow the podcast on Bluesky The Music In This Week's Episode: 'Soul Searcher' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever woken up to rain and felt the urge to stay in bed all day? On this episode of Words That Burn "Rain" by Raymond Carver. This is a poem that seems ideally suited to September, exploring that universal feeling of surrendering to the weather and the comfort of your own bed. Over the course of the episode I'll explore how Carver, a titan of the American short story, applies his signature "dirty realism" and sparse prose to his first love: poetry. We'll break down "Rain" stanza by stanza, examining the masterful techniques like enjambment and a staccato rhythm that turn a simple scene into a profound meditation on life. To truly understand this poem, you have to understand the man. I look back into Raymond Carver's difficult life; his blue-collar struggles, his battle with alcoholism, and the cancer diagnosis that shaped his final years. Discover how his personal tragedies fuel the poem's stunning final lines about "unforgivable mistakes" and the resolute desire to live it all again. In this episode, you will learn about: Raymond Carver's poetic style: How his minimalist approach in short stories translates to his poetry.Literary Analysis of "Rain": A line-by-line breakdown of imagery, structure, and rhythm.The Power of Immediacy: How Carver uses techniques like pronoun omission to pull you directly into the experience.Roland Barthes' "Punctum": We apply this photographic theory to understand how Carver creates moments of startling emotional impact that "puncture" the ordinary.The Link Between Carver's Life and Art: How understanding his biography is essential to interpreting his work on regret, mortality, and acceptance. 00:00 Poetry Reading 00:36 Introduction to Words That Burn 01:47 Exploring Raymond Carver's Poetry 02:59 Carver's Writing Style and Techniques 03:46 The Struggles and Inspirations of Raymond Carver 05:08 Analysing 'Rain' by Raymond Carver 15:32 The Impact of Carver's Life on His Poetry 19:25 Final Thoughts Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok Follow the podcast on Bluesky The Music In This Week's Episode: 'Incredulity' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Words That Burn, we delve into the powerful and moving poem "The Language Ban" from Annemarie Ní Churreáin's acclaimed 2021 collection, The Poison Glen. Join me as we explore the hidden history of Irish Sign Language (ISL) and the devastating impact of its suppression. Discover the story of St. Joseph's School for Deaf Boys in Cabra, Dublin, and how the controversial 1880 Milan Conference led to a policy of "Oralism," forcing a spoken language upon deaf children and branding their native sign language as shameful. I'll unpack Ní Churreáin's potent imagery, from the "state makers" who "banished" the signs to the demonisation of the hand itself within a deeply religious and colonial context. This episode explores: The dark history behind The Poison Glen and its connection to Irish folklore and the suppression of a nation's past.The crucial difference between Irish Sign Language (ISL) and other sign languages, and how it evolved uniquely within Irish culture.The devastating impact of the Milan Conference and the enforcement of Oralism on the Irish deaf community.The parallels between the suppression of ISL and the historical attempts to eradicate the Irish language (Gaeilge), including the use of the "tally stick."A deep-dive analysis of Annemarie Ní Churreáin's "The Language Ban," examining its structure, folkloric references (the hawthorn and the Salmon of Knowledge), and its powerful conclusion on the "forced grammar" imposed on a community. Join the conversation as we discuss how poetry can unearth forgotten histories and give voice to the silenced. This is essential listening for anyone interested in Irish history, poetry, disability studies, and the enduring power of language. Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok Follow the podcast on Bluesky The Music In This Week's Episode: 'Incredulity' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donation Link:  Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: http://www.ipsc.ie/support/donate In this episode of Words That Burn, I take a closer look at "Door on the Road," by Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha. The poem opens with the aftermath of an explosion in a refugee camp, where a fallen door becomes a grave marker for a young man whose only remaining connection to his past is a worn key — the key to his family’s lost home in Yaffa. As I unpack the powerful imagery in Abu Toha’s work, I explore how everyday objects like doors and keys become symbolic vessels for profound loss, memory, and hope in the context of forced displacement. I also delve into the historical significance of Yaffa, a once-thriving Palestinian city now largely inaccessible to its original inhabitants, and how the city’s erasure is mirrored in the poem’s narrative. Throughout the episode, I draw connections between the poem and Abu Toha’s 2024 poetry collection Forest of Noise, a body of work that documents life in Gaza through stark, evocative imagery and deeply personal narratives. I discuss how the collection uses poetry as a means of bearing witness to everyday atrocities and preserving cultural memory amidst conflict. 00:00 The Poem 01:14 Introduction to Words That Burn Podcast 01:26 Support for Palestine 02:52 Mosab Abu Toha: A Witness Poet 06:27 Analyzing 'Door on the Road' 08:02 The Symbolism of the Door 14:02 The Key to Yaffa 22:10 The Tragic Reality of Palestinian Life 27:11 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Follow Mosab Abu Toha Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok Follow the podcast on Bluesky 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 for more information.

In this episode of Words That Burn, I take a closer look at Ophelia’s Head Is Finished by the brilliant poet Olga Dermott-Bond—a haunting and layered ekphrastic response to John Everett Millais’ iconic painting Ophelia. Inspired by a chilling epigraph from one of Millais’ 1852 letters, the poem invites us to reconsider what lies beneath the surface of this romanticised artwork, and to centre the overlooked woman at its heart: Elizabeth Siddal. As I explore the poem stanza by stanza, I reflect on its gothic tone, its critique of the Pre-Raphaelite obsession with beauty, and the physical toll of artistic creation on real women. The lines between Siddal and Shakespeare’s Ophelia, between art history and lived experience, begin to blur—and what emerges is a powerful meditation on agency, endurance, and the quiet violence of expectation. Throughout the episode, I talk about the tradition of ekphrasis—poetry inspired by visual art—and how Dermott-Bond uses it not just to interpret but to reclaim. If you’re curious about the intersections between poetry, painting, feminism, and forgotten voices, I think you’ll get a lot out of this one. 00:00 The Poem 01:26 Welcome to Words That Burn 01:41 Context and Epigraph Analysis 02:34 Exploring the Poem's Themes 03:06 Historical Context of Ophelia 12:20 The Pre-Raphaelite Movement 13:49 Elizabeth Siddal's Story 15:01 Analysing the Poem's Stanzas 25:33 The Final Stanza and Conclusion Resources & Links: Millais' Ophelia The Story Behind Ophelia by Kelly Richman-Abdou Alluvia Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok Follow the podcast on Bluesky The Music In This Week's Episode: ‘Meanwhile’ by Scott Buckley – released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Words That Burn, poet Maurice Riordan joins Ben to reflect on a career-spanning selection of poems curated by former student and fellow poet Jack Underwood. With the new Selected Poems from Faber and Faber arranged out of chronology, Riordan discusses how themes like rural life, modernity, nature, and time emerge more clearly—and more hauntingly—across decades of work. Together, they explore how poetry manipulates time, the influence of film and science, the uncanny weight of Irish myth, and what it means to write with one foot in the past and the other in an overcrowded present. From candlelit farmhouses to televised World Cups, Riordan’s work straddles eras, places, and emotional states—always grounded in vivid, startling imagery. Poems discussed include Rural Electrification, 1956, The Flight, The Lull, Timeout, Gone With the Wind, and Badb, among others. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:06 Maurice Riordan's Selected Poems 00:48 Themes and Evolution in Maurice's Work 03:15 Rural Electrification and Early Influences 06:35 The Power of Imagery in Poetry 12:28 Cinematic Influences on Poetry 17:21 Observations and Domestic Themes 21:23 Exploring Connection with Nature 25:50 The Influence of Irish Mythology 30:24 Reflections on Isolation and Alienation 33:01 Balancing Life Between London and Cork 34:42 The Intersection of Poetry and Science 37:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok Follow the podcast on Bluesky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spring Song by Reg Saner: an eternal cycle we're all lucky to have In this episode of 'Words That Burn,' Reg Saner's poem 'Spring Song.' is the central focus With spring setting in, the episode explores the poetic beauty and profound themes in Saner's work, such as points of intersection and transition, cyclical nature, and the ineffable qualities of the natural world. It also uncovers some fascinating aspects of Saner's life, including the roots of his obsession with conservation, his varied career as a soldier, professor, conservationist, and poet, and his eventual shift from poetry to essays. Join me as I take a look at a true hidden gem of American poetry, a man who eventually left the art form behind, but also left an indelible and distinct imprint on it too. 00:00 Introduction to Spring Song 00:37 Welcome to Words That Burn 01:45 Exploring Reg Saner's Background 04:09 Analysing the Poem's Imagery 06:31 The Cyclical Nature of Seasons 09:22 Orpheus and the Paradox of Change 10:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections 11:51 Contact Information Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok Follow the podcast on Bluesky The Music In This Week's Episode: 'Petrichor' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exploring Louise Glück's 'Snowdrops': A Tale of Resilience and Renewal It'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 Thoughts 00:47 Welcome to Words That Burn 01:19 Louise Gluck and Her Poetic Voice 02:23 Themes and Techniques in Gluck's Poetry 04:48 Analysis of 'Snowdrops' - First Stanza 08:40 Analysis of 'Snowdrops' - Second Stanza 11:03 Human Resilience and Renewal 14:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections 17:17 Thank You Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok Follow the podcast on Bluesky The 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An In-Depth Analysis of 'November' by Maggie Dietz | Words That Burn Podcast Join 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 Reading 01:17 Welcome to Words That Burn 01:29 October's Splendour and Transition to November 03:11 Maggie Dietz's Poetic Style 05:23 Analysing the Poem's Imagery and Themes 10:19 The Colloquial Voice and Natural Imagery 15:39 The Subtle Rhyme Scheme 18:03 Humanity's Winter Retreat 20:31 Final Reflections on November 23:49 Conclusion Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok The Music In This Week's Episode: 'Midvinter' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donation Link:  Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: http://www.ipsc.ie/support/donate The Symbolism and Legacy of Refaat Alareer's Work In 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 Alareer 01:18 The Life and Mission of Refaat Alareer 02:09 A Tragic End and a Prophetic Poem 04:04 The Global Impact of 'If I Must Die' 05:42 Refaat Alareer's Commitment to the Palestinian Cause 09:19 Symbols of Hope in Alareer's Work 11:26 The Kite: A Symbol of Resistance 13:28 Refat Alirear's Defiance and Message of Peace 14:47 The Poem's Collective Story of Survival 16:23 Call to Action and Closing Remarks Listen to more Palestinian poetry: Listen to the Episode on Mahmoud Darwish Listen to the Episode on Fadwa Tuqan Listen to the Episode on Najwan Darwish Listen to the Episode on Noor Hindi Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok The Music In This Week's Episode: 'Within Our Nature' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Support Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok The Music In This Week's Episode: 'Reawakening' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donation Link:  Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: 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 Listen to the Episode on Fadwa Tuqan Listen to the Episode on Najwan Darwish Listen to the Episode on Noor Hindi Follow the Podcast: Read the Script on Substack Follow the Podcast On Instagram Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter Follow the Podcast on Tiktok 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 for more information.