Poetry Unbound: Episode Summary – Don McKay’s “Neanderthal Dig”

Podcast Information:

• Title: Poetry Unbound
• Host: Pádraig Ó Tuama
• Producer: On Being Studios
• Episode: Don McKay — Neanderthal Dig
• Release Date: January 20, 2025

Introduction

In this evocative episode of Poetry Unbound, hosted by Pádraig Ó Tuama, listeners are invited to delve into Don McKay’s poignant poem “Neanderthal Dig.” Pádraig sets the stage by blending personal reflections with literary analysis, offering a profound exploration of the poem’s themes and significance.

Exploring “Neanderthal Dig”

Overview of the Poem: At [00:00], Pádraig introduces “Neanderthal Dig,” a poem by Canadian poet Don McKay, which meticulously unearths an archaeological discovery purportedly dating back 6,000 to 7,000 years in modern-day Denmark. The poem narrates the finding of a mother and child buried together, adorned in ceremonial attire, with the child placed delicately on a swan’s wing.

Historical Context: Pádraig explains that while McKay wasn't present at the actual dig, the poem vividly captures the essence of such an archaeological exploration. He remarks, "Neanderthals are our very early cousins, and we are all made up of our early ancestors" ([02:45]).

Thematic Deep Dive

1. The Passage of Time and Ancestral Connections: Pádraig emphasizes the poem’s intricate relationship with time, stating, "Every poem is about time, but this one is very much about time" ([05:10]). He reflects on the transient nature of human perception, likening contemporary views on technological advancement to how future generations might perceive us in 200 years.

2. Death Rituals and Grief: Central to the poem is the exploration of death rituals. Pádraig shares a personal anecdote about a friend who, in the face of his newborn son's death, personally laid the coffin into the grave, highlighting the profound "body language of tenderness" ([10:30]). This act mirrors the ancient rituals depicted in McKay’s poem, underscoring the universal human response to loss across millennia.

3. Language and Physicality: The phrase "some wing of language" from the poem intrigues Pádraig, who interprets it as a metaphor for the physicality of language. He posits that "language is just another word for tongue," suggesting that our earliest forms of communication were deeply rooted in body language ([12:15]).

4. Human Limitations and Reflection: Pádraig critiques how the poem addresses human limitations in the face of uncontrollable events, such as grief. He points out McKay’s subtle defiance against labeling contemporary society as inherently inferior, instead highlighting our collective "limitation when faced with what we cannot control" ([09:50]).

Poetic Structure and Style

Hymn-like Quality: Analyzing the poem’s structure, Pádraig notes its bifurcated sections, sometimes numbered, culminating in a hymn-like benediction: "Wherever you've gone, may your spirit wander wild as a swan in the vale of Neander" ([13:00]). He appreciates the musicality in the poem’s final lines, where the repetition and elemental rhyming create a soothing, almost lullaby-esque effect.

Elemental Rhyming and Sound: Pádraig observes the intentional use of rhymes and rhythm in the poem’s closing lines: "wreath, death, language, earth, gone, wander, swan, Neander" ([13:45]). This choice not only enhances the poem’s aesthetic appeal but also reinforces its thematic depth.

Personal Reflections and Stories

Throughout the episode, Pádraig intertwines his personal experiences with literary analysis, enriching the discussion with authentic emotion. He recalls his childhood reflections on maturity and self-awareness, drawing parallels to the poem’s contemplation of ancestral wisdom and human evolution ([04:30]).

Don McKay: The Poet Behind the Poem

Background and Inspirations: Pádraig shares insights from his interview with Don McKay, who won the Griffin Poetry Prize Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. McKay describes his profound "conversions to birds and geology," which deeply influence his poetic work ([11:20]).

Connection to Nature and Earth: McKay’s fascination with birds is mirrored in the poem’s imagery of the swan, symbolizing freedom and the ethereal nature of the soul. His second conversion, geology, is reflected in the poem’s archaeological themes, emphasizing our intrinsic bond with the earth and the enduring legacy of our ancestors ([11:50]).

Conclusion: Insights and Takeaways

In wrapping up the exploration of “Neanderthal Dig,” Pádraig underscores the poem’s ability to bridge the ancient and the contemporary, weaving a narrative that is both timeless and profoundly human. He muses on the sacredness of burial sites and the respect afforded to the departed, regardless of the era, highlighting how "digging up the past changes our contemporary understanding about what matters and how to show respect" ([14:00]).

The episode serves as a testament to Don McKay’s literary prowess, showcasing his ability to intertwine personal emotion with universal themes, all while honoring our shared human heritage.

Closing Remarks

While the episode primarily focuses on the literary analysis of "Neanderthal Dig," it also celebrates the enduring power of poetry to connect us across time and space. Pádraig invites listeners to further engage with McKay’s work and the broader conversations within the poetry community through the accompanying book and Substack newsletter.

For more insights and discussions, listeners are encouraged to visit poetryunbound.org and subscribe to the Poetry Unbound Substack newsletter.

Notable Quotes:

• "Every poem is about time, but this one is very much about time." – Pádraig Ó Tuama ([05:10])
• "Language is just another word for tongue." – Pádraig Ó Tuama ([12:15])
• "Wherever you've gone, may your spirit wander wild as a swan in the vale of Neander." – Don McKay, Neanderthal Dig ([13:00])

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and reflections presented in the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both listeners and newcomers alike.