The New Yorker: Poetry Podcast Summary

Episode: Ada Limón Reads Carrie Fountain
Release Date: March 20, 2024
Hosts: WNYC Studios and The New Yorker
Guest: Ada Limón, United States Poet Laureate and MacArthur Genius Fellowship Recipient

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The New Yorker: Poetry podcast, hosted by Kevin Young, the poetry editor of The New Yorker, listeners are treated to an intimate conversation with esteemed poet Ada Limón. Limón, renowned for her six books of poetry—including the award-winning The Carrying—discusses her selections from the New Yorker Archive and shares her own poignant work.

Exploring "You Belong to the World" by Carrie Fountain

Selection and Significance

At [01:40], Ada Limón introduces her chosen poem, "You Belong to the World" by Carrie Fountain, explaining her connection to its themes:

"This poem really speaks to the idea of allowing yourself to give yourself permission to be... It's a spell to ground yourself, center yourself on the earth." ([01:54])

Reading of the Poem

Limón gracefully reads the entire poem at [02:53], capturing its rhythmic depth and emotional resonance.

Analytical Discussion

Post-reading, the conversation delves into the poem's structure and thematic elements:

• Language and Sound Shifts: Limón highlights the poem's linguistic transitions, noting the progression from "Bs" to "Cs," which Kevin Young identifies as a significant shift between incantation and command.

  "She's telling the mind, 'Right, to get back into the body.'... It's like a sonnet... taking us back to the animal self." ([06:23])

• Form and Flow: The poem's single-stanza form mirrors the unbroken flow of thought, akin to a prose poem. Limón appreciates this technique for maintaining the poem's momentum without the interruption of stanza breaks.

  "Connective tissue is part of the music... It's like seeing how my brain is working." ([18:26])

• Themes of Belonging and Lineage: The discussion emphasizes the poem's exploration of familial and ancestral connections, intertwining personal identity with broader universal elements.

  "When we move into the Ellis Island story, that's when we really are focusing on bloodline." ([10:00])

Ada Limón's "Hell or High Water"

Background and Creation

Before reading her own poem, Limón shares the inspiration behind "Hell or High Water," revealing its roots in personal memories and familial reflections formed during her time at the Community of Writers near Lake Tahoe ([21:42]).

Reading of the Poem

At [22:24], Limón reads "Hell or High Water," a heartfelt exploration of family, music, and resilience.

Analytical Discussion

Kevin Young and Limón dissect the poem's intricate structure and emotional layers:

• Absence of Traditional Punctuation: Limón discusses her deliberate use of commas to maintain clarity within a long, flowing sentence, ensuring the reader can navigate the poem's intense journey without confusion.

  "Those commas are me sort of holding it before it kind of releases at the end." ([28:13])

• Musicality and Polyvocality: Limón aimed to infuse the poem with a musical quality, reflecting the collective voices of her family without introducing other narrators.

  "I'm trying to marry the two... making this polyvocal without other voices within it." ([30:45])

• Themes of Faith and Music: The poem intertwines the act of singing with expressions of faith and resilience, illustrating how music serves as both a comfort and a form of prayer.

  "I'm putting my faith in music and I'm putting my faith in singing and I'm putting my faith in beauty." ([35:24])

• Cultural and Ancestral Reflections: Limón pays homage to various musical traditions, highlighting the American ethos of journeying and the preservation of cultural identity through song.

  "There's something very American about this poem... holding onto that part of where he was born." ([35:24])

Ada Limón's Poet Laureate Project: "You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World"

Concept and Vision

Limón shares the genesis of her Poet Laureate initiative, a multifaceted project intertwining poetry with the natural environment. The project comprises an anthology featuring 50 original poems and "Poetry in the Parks," where poem installations will be placed in seven national parks across the United States ([38:56]).

Project Elements

1. Anthology of Original Poems: Curated by Limón, the anthology gathers contemporary poets to explore the relationship between poetry and nature, reflecting diverse urban and natural experiences.

2. Poetry in the Parks Installations: Limón envisions these installations as interactive spaces where visitors can engage with poetry, contributing their own "You Are Here" poems inspired by their surroundings.

Launch and Implementation

Set to commence in June and run through December 2024, the project aims to foster a deeper connection between individuals and the natural landscapes that inspire poetic expression ([43:23]).

Inspiration Behind the Title

The title "You Are Here" was inspired by a sign Limón encountered at Raven Run Park, serving as a poignant reminder to be present and grounded.

"It was this phrase was born into this person's mind... 'You are here. Be here, be here.'" ([43:58])

Conclusion

The episode elegantly intertwines the exploration of Carrie Fountain's "You Belong to the World" with Ada Limón's own poetic endeavors. Limón's insights into the mechanics of poetry, her heartfelt readings, and her visionary Poet Laureate project offer listeners a profound appreciation of poetry's role in personal and communal landscapes. The conversation underscores the enduring power of poetry to anchor, heal, and inspire amidst the complexities of the modern world.

Notable Quotes:

• Ada Limón on "You Belong to the World":

  "It's a spell to ground yourself, center yourself on the earth." ([01:54])

• Ada Limón on Poem Structure:

  "The connective tissue is part of the music... It's like seeing how my brain is working." ([18:26])

• Ada Limón on "Hell or High Water":

  "I'm putting my faith in music and I'm putting my faith in singing and I'm putting my faith in beauty." ([35:24])

• Ada Limón on Poet Laureate Project:

  "You are here. Be here, be here." ([43:58])

This detailed summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting key discussions, poetic analyses, and insights shared by Ada Limón. It provides a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode, encapsulating the rich tapestry of themes and emotions explored.