Poetry Unbound: Episode Summary – "Richard Langston — Hill Walk"

Release Date: December 13, 2024
Host: Pádraig Ó Tuama
Podcast: On Being Studios

Introduction to "Hill Walk" by Richard Langston

In this episode of Poetry Unbound, host Pádraig Ó Tuama delves into Richard Langston's evocative poem, "Hill Walk," from Langston's collection Five O'Clock Shadows. Released by Cuba Press, "Hill Walk" serves as the focal point for an immersive exploration of human connection, change, and the subtle nuances that move us daily.

Exploring the Essence of Movement and Change

Pádraig Ó Tuama begins by reflecting on societal tendencies to prescribe steps for personal improvement. He remarks:

"[00:19] ...some of them are promising a way within which change can happen. But sometimes, often change happens in surprising ways, in a way that you're not prepared for at all. Sometimes beautifully, sometimes brutally."

This sets the stage for analyzing how "Hill Walk" encapsulates unforeseen changes and the complexities of human emotions.

Dissecting "Hill Walk" – Themes and Symbolism

The poem poses the contemplative question:

"[00:32] We often wonder what moves us in a day."

Ó Tuama dissects the multifaceted use of the word "move," highlighting its emotional depth and versatility. He notes:

"[00:44] The word move is such an interesting word. We use it all the time... move on, move on topic, move on physically... move emotion." [00:44]

This exploration underscores how movement, both literal and metaphorical, intertwines with our daily experiences and relationships.

Human Encounters and Unspoken Narratives

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the interaction between the brothers in the poem. Ó Tuama draws parallels to the biblical story of Jacob and Esau, suggesting:

"[04:30] The limping brother reference absolutely brings the story to mind from the Hebrew Bible of these twins, Jacob and Esau... Just before one of them meets the other, he wrestles with an angel, and the angel touches his hip and he has to limp with a sore leg."

This allusion enriches the interpretation, adding layers of reconciliation, frailty, and the enduring impact of past conflicts.

The Gentle Yet Painful Nature of "Hill Walk"

Ó Tuama emphasizes the poem's gentle tone juxtaposed with underlying pain and surprise:

"[06:15] It's such a gentle poem, this one. But in each of the examples that Richard Langston gives, there is something that has an edge of pain to it, or an edge of surprise..." [06:15]

He highlights how the poem balances softness with emotional depth, reflecting the complexities of human relationships and unspoken histories.

Universal Reflections and Personal Connections

Concluding his analysis, Ó Tuama broadens the poem's themes to resonate universally:

"[09:45] The broad we of it allows us all to think these things happen. But while these brothers don't know what bird it was that was making that song, we, the readers, don't need to know what it was that happened between these brothers and that we can think well, that brother is me, that brother is you." [09:45]

This insight invites listeners to project their personal experiences onto the poem, fostering a deep sense of connection and introspection.

Conclusion: Embracing the Layers of "Hill Walk"

"Pádraig Ó Tuama" wraps up the episode by reiterating the poem's invitation to ponder the subtle forces that move us:

"[10:30] Hill Walk by Richard Langston... we often wonder what moves us in a day... Was it words in a sequence that surprised us?... what bird that was in the bush making the sound neither of you were certain of." [10:30]

By dissecting "Hill Walk," the episode underscores the profound simplicity and layered meanings that poetry can offer, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with the words and their own emotional landscapes.

Additional Resources

Listeners interested in exploring more of Richard Langston's work or engaging with the vibrant conversations on poetry can visit Poetry Unbound’s website at poetryunbound.org and subscribe to their Substack newsletter. Upcoming publications, including Langston's Five O'Clock Shadows and related poetry collections, are also highlighted for further reading and exploration.

Credits:
Music composed by Gautam Srikishan and Blue Dot Sessions.
Produced by On Being Studios, Minneapolis, Minnesota.