Poetry Unbound: Denise Duhamel — How It Will End
Podcast Information:
- Title: Poetry Unbound
- Host: Pádraig Ó Tuama, On Being Studios
- Episode: Denise Duhamel — How It Will End
- Release Date: March 3, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "Denise Duhamel — How It Will End," Pádraig Ó Tuama, the host of Poetry Unbound, delves into the intricate layers of Denise Duhamel's compelling poem, "How It Will End." Poetry Unbound is renowned for its immersive exploration of individual poems, offering listeners a deep dive into the wisdom and questions each piece presents.
Notable Announcement: At the beginning of the episode (00:00), Pádraig announces Denise Duhamel's new releases:
"I've got two books that are out now... 44 Poems on Being with Each Other... and a collection of my own poems, Kitchen Hymns... you can find out more at poetryunbound.org."
This sets the stage for the episode, highlighting Duhamel's contributions to contemporary poetry.
Presentation of the Poem
Pádraig reads Denise Duhamel's poem "How It Will End," providing listeners with a vivid portrayal of a dramatic encounter observed from a distance.
Excerpt from the Poem:
"We're walking on the boardwalk but stop when we see a lifeguard and his girlfriend fighting. We can't hear what they're saying, but it is as good as a movie."
— 00:51
This opening sets a cinematic scene, emphasizing the silent yet intense drama unfolding between the lifeguard and his girlfriend.
Analytical Discussion
Pádraig offers an in-depth analysis of the poem, exploring its themes, structure, and emotional undercurrents.
Narrative Structure and Observation
The poem unfolds on a boardwalk, where two protagonists— a lifeguard and his girlfriend—engage in a tumultuous argument. The observers (the speaker and their husband) interpret the scene without hearing the actual dialogue, relying solely on body language and context.
Pádraig's Insight:
"The observing couple can't hear what's going on. But the body language, to them anyway, seems so striking that they're able to fill in the gaps."
— 05:20
This highlights the human tendency to project our interpretations onto others' conflicts, filling in the silent spaces with our biases and experiences.
Projection and Relationship Dynamics
A significant theme in the poem is projection—how the observers project their relationship issues onto the lifeguard and his girlfriend's fight.
Pádraig Explains:
"The lifeguard is referred to as the no good lifeguard... the husband projects onto the girlfriend that she's always nagging and nitpicking..."
— 09:45
This mirrors common marital conflicts where partners accuse each other based on personal grievances rather than the actual situation.
Escalation of Conflict
The poem masterfully portrays how minor disagreements can escalate rapidly, mirroring the observers' own marital tensions.
Notable Quote:
"You think every fight is funny... You're always nagging."
— 11:15
Pádraig notes the breathless energy of the poem's long, multi-clause sentences, symbolizing the intensifying emotions and frustration within relationships.
Erotic Energy and Conflict
An intriguing aspect Pádraig explores is the potential erotic undertone in the conflict:
"The energy within it is multiple. It's energy of aggression, but it's also erotic energy, the argumentative energy."
— 13:50
He ponders whether the fighting serves as a substitute for intimacy, suggesting that conflict can sometimes replace or mirror the dynamics of a romantic relationship.
Resolution and Reflection
The poem concludes abruptly with the couple reconciling, leaving the observers—and the readers—pondering the true nature of relationships and the role of external observations.
Pádraig Reflects:
"Who are you reducing when you look at this poem? And how is it that I too am being brought into the soap opera drama of this?"
— 15:30
This ending serves as a mirror to the listeners, inviting them to introspect on their perceptions and judgments of others' relationships.
Literary Techniques and Themes
Pádraig highlights Duhamel's use of pop culture references and the portrayal of silent movies to emphasize the universal and timeless nature of relationship dynamics.
Example from the Poem:
"She holds her hand like Diana Ross when she performed Stop in the Name of Love."
— 06:10
Such references anchor the poem in a relatable reality, enhancing its emotional resonance.
Concluding Thoughts
Pádraig praises Denise Duhamel's "How It Will End" for its multi-layered storytelling and emotional depth. He emphasizes the poem's ability to reflect personal relationship struggles through an external narrative, making it both entertaining and profoundly relatable.
Final Reflection:
"The question is, who are we reducing when we look at this poem? And how is it that I too am being brought into the soap opera drama of this?"
— 16:05
This invites listeners to engage deeply with the poem, recognizing the parallels between the observed drama and their personal lives.
Additional Information
-
Credits:
- Chris Heagle: Provides logistical information about the poem's origin from Denise Duhamel's book Blowout, published by the University of Pittsburgh Press (16:17).
- Production Team: Includes Gautam Srikishan, Eddie Gonzalez, Lucas Johnson, Kayla Edwards, Tiffany Champion, Cameron Musar, and Chris Heagle. Music composed by Gautam Srikishan and Blue Dot Sessions (16:39).
-
Engagement Opportunities:
- Books Available:
- 44 Poems on Being with Each Other
- Kitchen Hymns
- Online Presence: Subscribe to the Substack newsletter and visit poetryunbound.org for more content and community discussions.
- Books Available:
Join the Conversation: Poetry Unbound encourages listeners to engage with poetry beyond passive listening. By exploring Denise Duhamel's "How It Will End," Pádraig Ó Tuama fosters a space for reflection, discussion, and a deeper appreciation of poetic narratives and their parallels to our own lives.