Podcast Summary: Poetry Unbound – Episode featuring Danielle Chapman on "Trespassing with Tweens"

Podcast Information

• Title: Poetry Unbound
• Host: Pádraig Ó Tuama (referred to as Padre Go Toma in the transcript)
• Producer: On Being Studios
• Description: An immersive exploration of a single poem, delving into its wisdom and the questions it poses to listeners.
• Episode: Danielle Chapman — Trespassing with Tweens
• Release Date: December 16, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Poetry Unbound, host Pádraig Ó Tuama welcomes listeners to an in-depth exploration of Danielle Chapman’s evocative poem, “Trespassing with Tweens.” Padre Go Toma (as named in the transcript) sets the stage by sharing exciting news about upcoming publications and providing context about his perspectives on parenting, even humorously noting his lack of personal experience:

“...because I don't have children, all of my opinions about parenting are absolutely fantastic...” (00:00).

Reading of "Trespassing with Tweens"

Padre Go Toma introduces and reads "Trespassing with Tweens," immersing listeners in the vivid imagery and layered meanings of Chapman’s work. The poem juxtaposes the natural behavior of herons with the dynamic and often tumultuous relationship between parents and their tween-aged children. The reading captures the essence of coexistence, transition, and the subtle tensions that arise during the preteen years.

Analysis and Discussion

Themes of Transition and Boundaries

The discussion delves into the poem’s exploration of the transitional phase of tweens—those on the cusp of adolescence—highlighting the delicate balance parents maintain as children seek independence while still relying on them. Padre Go Toma reflects on the metaphor of "trespassing," pondering whether parenting during these years feels like navigating uncharted territories:

“Does parenting preteen sometimes feel like trespassing? Trespassing on where you don't want to go...” (05:45).

Imagery and Symbolism

Chapman’s use of herons serves as a powerful symbol for the parental role and the natural instincts involved in nurturing. The detailed description of the herons’ actions mirrors the complexities of parenting tweens:

“A black stripe streaks into his crest's flung jot...” (10:15).

Padre Go Toma appreciates the poem’s demand for precise language to convey the multifaceted emotions involved, noting the challenge and beauty in articulating feelings of love, frustration, and wonder.

Language and Sound

The poem’s auditory elements are examined, particularly the repetition and sound patterns that emphasize the communication between parent and child:

“Look, Mommy, look, look, look.” (13:40).

The repetition highlights the children’s desire for attention and validation, while the phonetic qualities of the words evoke a sense of urgency and longing.

Parent-Child Relationship Dynamics

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the evolving dynamics between parents and tweens. Padre Go Toma explores how the poem captures the essence of letting go, as parents witness their children’s growing independence:

“From a very, very early age of your children, it's an entire process of learning to let go...” (12:30).

This theme resonates throughout the poem, illustrating the delicate dance of maintaining connection while allowing space for personal growth.

Notable Quotes

• Padre Go Toma on Upcoming Publications:
  “I've got two books coming out in early 2025... Kitchen Hymns.” (00:00)

• On Parenting and Letting Go:
  “It's all about hunger, I think. It's all about desire. Hunger to be seen.” (14:50)

• On the Poem’s Musicality:
  “I love the demand of this poem. It's even difficult at times to say some of the phrases.” (11:20)

Insights and Conclusions

Padre Go Toma concludes that “Trespassing with Tweens” is a profound reflection on the intricate emotions and challenges inherent in parenting during the transitional tween years. The poem not only paints a vivid picture of the natural world but also serves as a mirror to human relationships, emphasizing themes of connection, independence, and the continuous journey of understanding one another.

He emphasizes the importance of poetry as a medium for exploring and articulating complex emotional landscapes, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with the poem’s layers:

“This poem is enthralled with wonder... looking at these herons.” (13:00).

Additional Resources

• Poem Source: Boxed Juice by Danielle Chapman
• Publishing Permission: Courtesy of Unbound Edition Press
• Further Reading: The poem is available for reading on the On Being Studios website.
• Subscribe: Listeners are invited to subscribe to the Poetry Unbound Substack newsletter for ongoing discussions and additional content.

Credits

• Hosts: Pádraig Ó Tuama (Padre Go Toma), Chris Heagle
• Music: Composed by Gautam Srikishan and Blue Dot Sessions
• Production: On Being Studios, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Join the Conversation

Listeners are encouraged to participate in the vibrant discussions on the Poetry Unbound Substack newsletter and attend occasional gatherings to deepen their engagement with poetry and its myriad interpretations.

For more information and to subscribe, visit poetryunbound.org.