Poetry Unbound: Taylor Johnson — Pennsylvania Ave. SE
Host: Pádraig Ó Tuama
Release Date: December 6, 2024
Publisher: On Being Studios

Introduction

In the December 6, 2024 episode of Poetry Unbound, host Pádraig Ó Tuama delves deep into Taylor Johnson's poignant poem "Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast." This episode offers an immersive exploration of the poem's layers, unveiling its rich tapestry of memories, identity, and the subtle blessings woven throughout.

Exploring Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast

Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast serves as a vessel for reminiscence, tenderness, and introspection. The poem opens with vivid imagery:

"Bless the boys riding their bikes straight up at midnight, touching, if only briefly, holding hands as they cross the light to independence."
— Taylor Johnson, Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast [00:00:XX]

These lines set the stage for a journey through youthful memories, capturing fleeting moments of innocence and the complex quest for independence.

Imagery and Setting

The poem's setting—a midnight ride on Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast—evokes a sense of quiet reflection under the veil of darkness. Johnson's description is both specific and universal:

"From the side the one on the red bike looks like me, his red brown hair loose against the late summer static heat."
— Taylor Johnson, Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast [00:04:25]

This portrayal invites readers to see themselves in the scene, bridging personal experience with collective nostalgia.

Themes and Analysis

1. Identity and Transformation

Ó Tuama emphasizes the poem's exploration of self-identity, particularly in the context of Taylor Johnson's experience as a trans man. The line:

"Bless the boy who was me on his bike because he was a witness to my witnessing and did not turn away."
— Taylor Johnson, Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast [00:07:15]

highlights a pivotal moment of self-recognition and acceptance. Ó Tuama reflects on how Johnson might be speaking back to his younger self, honoring the resilience and authenticity that defined his journey.

2. The Power of Blessings

The recurrent use of the word "bless" serves as a thematic anchor throughout the poem. Ó Tuama interprets blessings not merely as religious invocations but as acknowledgments of sacred, everyday moments:

"A blessing is noticing something small that's happening in the here and now and trying to give a particular importance and something of the sacred to it."
— Pádraig Ó Tuama [00:10:00]

This perspective transforms the poem's scenes into moments of grace, celebrating the subtle yet profound aspects of life.

3. Memory and Reminiscence

The poem beautifully balances the present observation with past memories, blurring the lines between what was and what is:

"This poem is so photographic it almost appears like a reel of reminiscence."
— Pádraig Ó Tuama [00:09:30]

Ó Tuama discusses how Johnson navigates through time, holding onto memories that shape one's identity and understanding of self.

4. Yearning for Independence

The motif of independence is multifaceted, representing both the desire for autonomy in youth and the complex realities of achieving it in adulthood:

"I love the possibilities of seeing these boys in front of him and thinking, what kind of thing would they say? I love you. I'm so sad. Truths that everybody lives with at some point or another or wants to say, but then much more likely catch up."
— Taylor Johnson, Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast [00:06:10]

This duality underscores the universal struggle between longing for freedom and grappling with its consequences.

Conclusion

Pádraig Ó Tuama masterfully unpacks Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast, revealing its intricate layers of memory, identity, and the sanctity of everyday blessings. Through Johnson's evocative language and heartfelt reflections, listeners are invited to traverse their own landscapes of self-discovery and appreciation for the moments that shape us.

Notable Quotes

• "Bless the boys riding their bikes straight up at midnight..." [00:00:XX]
• "From the side the one on the red bike looks like me..." [00:04:25]
• "Bless the girl who was me on her bike because she was a witness to my witnessing and did not turn away." [00:07:15]
• "A blessing is noticing something small that's happening in the here and now..." [00:10:00]

Further Resources

To explore more about Taylor Johnson's work, visit On Being Studios and subscribe to the Poetry Unbound Substack newsletter for ongoing conversations and gatherings.

Poetry Unbound is produced by On Being Studios, inviting listeners to open their worlds to poetry through immersive and thoughtful explorations.