All Of It – Episode Summary: "New Poems and Old Favorites For National Poetry Month"
Released April 2, 2025 | Host: Alison Stewart | Guest: Willie Perdomo
Introduction
In this special episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart and sponsored by Progressive Insurance, WNYC celebrates National Poetry Month with a curated series of new and beloved poems. The episode features Willie Perdomo, a former New York State Poet Laureate, who discusses his role in selecting poems for Poets.org and shares insights into the intersection of poetry and hip-hop. Throughout the show, listeners are invited to participate by sharing their favorite poems, fostering a vibrant community around the appreciation of poetry.
National Poetry Month Collaboration
[00:35 - 06:07]
Alison Stewart introduces the episode by announcing the collaboration with the American Academy of Poets to mark National Poetry Month. She explains that Poets.org publishes a new poem each day in April, featuring contemporary voices that reflect the diverse tapestry of American culture. The series is curated by Willie Perdomo, who brings his extensive experience from the East Harlem poetry scene and his involvement with venues like the Nuyorican Poets Café.
Discussion with Willie Perdomo
Selection Process for Poets.org Series
[04:23 - 07:03]
Willie Perdomo elaborates on his selection process for the daily poems:
"I was even more intentional about soliciting poems from poets who had been in my workshops almost for the last 15 to 20 years. These are youth poets who are now adults who were in my Word to Everything I Love workshop at Urban Word NYC and my workshop at the VONA Workshops... I wanted them to have a chance to emerge and get some shine."
— Willie Perdomo [04:23]
He emphasizes the importance of featuring emerging and young poets, ensuring a democratic and inclusive representation of voices across the country.
Themes and Diversity in Poetry
[05:19 - 06:07]
When asked about thematic focus:
"It wasn't a theme that I was necessarily focused on as much as it was a wide array of voices... speaking to injustice, speaking about the understanding of memory, history."
— Willie Perdomo [05:23]
Perdomo highlights the variety of themes, from city life and fatherhood to memory and social justice, reflecting the multifaceted nature of contemporary poetry.
Willie Perdomo’s Journey into Poetry
[07:46 - 09:17]
Perdomo shares his personal journey:
"My mother was a documentarian, and she kept journals... I saw a poet named Ed Randolph... I was emotional... poems gave me an access. It gave me a language that I did not have to sort of parse out chaos, confusion and conflict."
— Willie Perdomo [07:50]
His upbringing in East Harlem and mentorship under established poets ignited his passion for poetry, leading him to become a prominent voice in the literary community.
Understanding and Appreciating Poetry
[10:51 - 12:14]
In response to a listener’s struggle with understanding poetry, Perdomo offers advice:
"Hang on to one line... get away from the meaning and then move toward the feeling."
— Willie Perdomo [10:54]
He encourages readers to focus on the emotional resonance of a single line rather than dissecting its literal meaning, fostering a more intuitive engagement with poetry.
Influence of Hip-Hop on Poetry
[21:56 - 23:15]
Perdomo discusses the profound impact of hip-hop:
"Improvisation, rhyme structure, storytelling... the cipher... intricate rhymes, meter, fantasy... hip hop informs the way I approach language and rhythm."
— Willie Perdomo [21:56]
He draws parallels between the lyrical flow of hip-hop and poetic expression, highlighting how both forms emphasize rhythm, storytelling, and creative freedom.
Teaching Poetry: Beats, Rhythm, and Narrative
[30:44 - 32:35]
When asked about teaching poetry:
"Voice. It... who is it on the other side of that poem?... authenticity... the way words are put together... language is in constant transformation."
— Willie Perdomo [30:44]
Perdomo underscores the significance of voice and authenticity in poetry, advising emerging poets to embrace their unique linguistic styles and personal narratives.
Poetry Readings and Listener Engagement
Throughout the episode, listeners are invited to share and read their favorite poems. The episode features several poignant readings that encapsulate the themes discussed.
"Palazzo Tartaga" by Mike Tyler
[02:25 - 04:10]
Willie Perdomo introduces and reads Mike Tyler’s poem "Palazzo Tartaga":
"A boy asks me write a poem to a boy... Death is a memory, something that happens to me before a volcano stares over the trees."
— Willie Perdomo [02:40]
This piece reflects on identity and cultural intersections, showcasing Tyler’s evocative imagery.
Listener Calls and Readings
1. Caller: Don
[10:13 - 12:58]
Don expresses his challenges with understanding poetry and reads Sylvia Townsend Warner's "John Crask's Country":
"You cannot love here as you can love inland... You cannot grieve here as you can grieve inland..."
— Don [10:51]
This poem explores themes of love, survival, and grief against a stark, coastal backdrop.
2. Willie’s Son: Neruda
[14:14 - 16:13]
Neruda shares a heartfelt poem about familial love:
"That's my heart right there... I would die for that right there."
— Neruda [14:31]
This personal piece underscores the deep emotional bonds within family.
3. Caller: Susan
[32:35 - 33:37]
Susan reads Mary Oliver’s "Mornings at Blackwater":
"Darling citizen, so come to the pond or the river of your imagination... and live your life."
— Susan [32:54]
Oliver’s work invites readers to find solace and presence in the natural world.
4. Willie Perdomo’s Poem: "They Won't Find Us in Books"
[26:35 - 30:23]
Perdomo shares his own poem from "The Crazy Bunch":
"Here we go. Come on. Here we go... They won't find us in books..."
— Willie Perdomo [26:35]
This powerful narrative captures the resilience and struggles of young men in East Harlem during the rise of hip-hop.
5. Caller: Janet
[32:48 - 33:37]
Janet reads another Mary Oliver poem, emphasizing the significance of embracing the present over the past.
The Role of Poetry in Times of Uncertainty
[33:47 - 34:36]
Alison Stewart poses a crucial question:
"Why is poetry useful at a time of uncertainty?"
— Alison Stewart [33:47]
Perdomo responds by quoting William Collins:
"It's difficult to get the news from poems, yet most people die miserably every day for lack of what is found there."
— Willie Perdomo [33:47]
He explains that poetry provides essential elements like democracy, witness, celebration, and joy, which are vital for societal prosperity, especially during uncertain times.
Conclusion
Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by thanking Willie Perdomo and acknowledging the contributions of the listeners. She invites the community to continue engaging with poetry through future events and slam sessions, reinforcing the show's mission to explore and celebrate culture in all its forms.
"Thanks to all of our callers who called in. I think we'll do this again. We'll have another poetry slam on the air."
— Alison Stewart [34:56]
The episode effectively blends curated poetic selections with interactive discussions, offering both educational insights and personal connections to poetry. By bridging the gap between poets and listeners, All Of It fosters a deeper appreciation for the art form and its relevance in everyday life.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Willie Perdomo on Poetry Selection:
"I wanted to make room at the table for as many poets as possible... I wanted some of these poets to emerge and get some shine."
[04:23] -
Advice on Understanding Poetry:
"Get away from the meaning and then move toward the feeling."
[10:54] -
On the Influence of Hip-Hop:
"Hip hop informs the way I approach language and rhythm and the idea of language having a sonic."
[21:56] -
Teaching Poetry with Voice:
"It always starts with voice. Who is it on the other side of that poem?"
[30:44] -
Poetry’s Role in Society:
"If you are really in tune and present to your life, there has to be a sense of poetry that informs that life."
[33:47]
Final Thoughts
This episode of All Of It serves as a heartfelt homage to poetry's enduring impact. Through Willie Perdomo's expert curation and the active participation of listeners, the show highlights the transformative power of poetry in expressing personal and collective experiences. Whether you're a seasoned poetry enthusiast or new to the genre, this episode offers valuable insights and inspirations to deepen your engagement with the poetic arts.