NPR's Book of the Day: Populist Approaches to Poetry with John Himmelman and Reginald Dwayne Betts
Episode Overview
In the March 28, 2025, episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Andrew Limbong delves into the world of contemporary poetry through the lens of two distinct voices: John Himmelman and Reginald Dwayne Betts. Both poets adopt a populist approach, making poetry accessible and relatable to a broader audience. This episode offers insightful conversations with each author, highlighting their unique perspectives, creative processes, and the underlying themes in their latest works.
John Himmelman: "The Boy Who Lived in a Shell. Snippets for Wandering Minds"
Connecting with Young Minds
John Himmelman's poetry collection, "The Boy Who Lived in a Shell. Snippets for Wandering Minds," is designed primarily for children but resonates with audiences of all ages. The poems are narrated from the perspective of Ivo, a boy residing in a moon snail shell. Himmelman emphasizes the importance of brevity and emotional connection in his work.
"I wanted to tell some stories in as few words as possible for people with wandering minds, and I needed a way to connect them. And Ivo was the way to do that." (02:50)
Creative Techniques and Emotional Authenticity
Himmelman's approach to writing centers on evoking genuine emotions. He writes to make himself laugh or feel sad, hoping these emotions translate to his readers. This authenticity stems from his vivid childhood memories and experiences, which he seamlessly incorporates into his poetry.
"I write to make myself laugh. I write to make myself sad. And I just hope that translates to other people, other children." (07:15)
Illustrations and Storytelling
The collaboration between Himmelman and his illustrator brings Ivo's adventures to life. Each poem is complemented by charming illustrations that enhance the storytelling without overshadowing the brevity of the text. Himmelman shares excerpts from his work, such as "The Rumple Twins," highlighting his ability to convey complex emotions and narratives with minimal words.
"You don't need a lot of words for a surprise ending. The illustrations of a giant tree, a couple of tiny twins, seem to be happily situated on a branch high above the ground." (03:32)
Inspiration and Evolution
Himmelman's journey as an author began during his time working in the children's book section of the Comac library in Long Island, New York. Influenced by classics like Arnold Lobel's "Frog and Toad" series, Himmelman sought to combine his interests in words and pictures. His education at the School of Visual Arts further honed his skills, enabling him to bring his characters and stories to fruition.
"I was working in the children's book section, putting away all these classics like Mercer Mayer's book and Maurice Sendak, of course. And my favorite was Arnold Lobel and his Frog and Toad series that just inspired me." (05:08)
Final Thoughts on Himmelman's Work
Himmelman's stories, though crafted for children, carry universal themes of joy, sadness, and the complexities of growing up. His ability to blend simplicity with depth makes his poetry a delightful read for both young minds and adults alike.
Reginald Dwayne Betts: "Doggerel"
Reimagining Doggerel Poetry
Reginald Dwayne Betts introduces his latest poetry collection, "Doggerel," redefining the term traditionally associated with mediocre poetry. Betts asserts that doggerel serves a significant purpose, aiming to make poetry accessible and relatable.
"Doggerel isn't really just mediocre poetry. Poetry is meant to serve a purpose." (10:52)
Personal Narratives and Social Commentary
Drawing from his tumultuous past, including over eight years spent in prison for an armed carjacking committed at 16, Betts uses poetry as a medium for expression and healing. His experiences, both personal and societal, inform his work, allowing him to address themes of grief, love, and racial injustice.
The Role of Dogs in Betts' Poetry
A significant portion of "Doggerel" is inspired by Betts' relationship with his dog, Taylor. Acquiring a dog during the pandemic became a catalyst for new interpersonal connections and reflections on joy and companionship.
"Having an extra four feet changed my world... It was something here for you." (11:40)
Sharing Poetry in Daily Life
Betts actively engages with his community by sharing his poetry in everyday interactions. Whether reading his poems to strangers or using his canine companion as a bridge for conversation, he demonstrates poetry's power to connect and heal.
"I would read them poems. People in my community, people in my neighborhood... It was an invitation to have a conversation." (12:22)
A Touching Example: "Grief"
In a poignant moment, Betts shares his poem "Grief," which delves into the emotions surrounding loss. The poem narrates the story of Eazy, a small dog embodying the essence of grief and remembrance.
"Grief, the story of Eazy... The ways we grieve again and again... Nothing grows without weeping, not even joy." (13:52)
Addressing Racial Injustice through Personal Experience
Betts discusses his op-ed in the New York Times recounting an incident where police were called on him at a bike shop he frequented. Despite his credentials, including a Harvard and Yale education and a bar association membership, he faced unwarranted scrutiny. This experience underscores the systemic biases he seeks to highlight and challenge through his poetry.
"I knew that none of that was gonna. Was gonna solve the day, but I also knew that the burden was on me to prove that I deserved to be treated with some dignity." (15:23)
Overcoming Adversity and Finding Closure
Rather than allowing the negative encounter to diminish him, Betts chose to return to the bike shop to complete a purchase, symbolizing resilience and the refusal to let injustice dictate his actions.
"I went back to be like, I am not gonna double down on this notion that I need to treat you in a certain way because that's how you treated me." (16:10)
Final Reflections on "Doggerel"
Betts' collection "Doggerel" exemplifies how poetry can be both accessible and profound. By blending personal narratives with broader social issues, Betts invites readers to engage with poetry not as an elevated art form but as a tool for personal and communal connection.
Conclusion
This episode of NPR's Book of the Day offers a compelling exploration of contemporary poetry through the works of John Himmelman and Reginald Dwayne Betts. Both poets demonstrate that poetry can be inclusive, emotionally resonant, and deeply impactful, irrespective of its intended audience. Himmelman's whimsical stories for wandering minds and Betts' socially conscious verses exemplify the diverse paths poetry can take to connect with readers from all walks of life.
Notable Quotes
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John Himmelman (02:50): "I wanted to tell some stories in as few words as possible for people with wandering minds, and I needed a way to connect them. And Ivo was the way to do that."
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John Himmelman (07:15): "I write to make myself laugh. I write to make myself sad. And I just hope that translates to other people, other children."
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Reginald Dwayne Betts (10:52): "Doggerel isn't really just mediocre poetry. Poetry is meant to serve a purpose."
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Reginald Dwayne Betts (12:22): "I would read them poems. People in my community, people in my neighborhood... It was an invitation to have a conversation."
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Reginald Dwayne Betts (13:52): "Grief... Nothing grows without weeping, not even joy."
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Reginald Dwayne Betts (16:10): "I am not gonna double down on this notion that I need to treat you in a certain way because that's how you treated me."
For More Information
To delve deeper into the works of John Himmelman and Reginald Dwayne Betts, consider exploring their poetry collections:
- John Himmelman: The Boy Who Lived in a Shell. Snippets for Wandering Minds
- Reginald Dwayne Betts: Doggerel
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