Podcast Summary: The New Yorker: Poetry – Amber Tamblyn Reads Didi Jackson

Episode Information:

• Title: The New Yorker: Poetry
• Host: Kevin Young, Poetry Editor of The New Yorker Magazine
• Guest: Amber Tamblyn, author of six books, creator of the newsletter Listening in the Dark, and acclaimed actor/director
• Episode Title: Amber Tamblyn Reads Didi Jackson
• Release Date: September 27, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The New Yorker: Poetry, host Kevin Young welcomes Amber Tamblyn, a multifaceted artist known for her literary and acting accomplishments. The episode features Tamblyn reading and discussing a poem from the New Yorker Archive, as well as sharing one of her own published works.

Reading and Discussion of "Dahlias" by Dee Dee Jackson

Selection of the Poem: At [00:58], Kevin Young introduces the session by explaining the format: the guest chooses a poem from the New Yorker Archive to read and discuss, followed by reading one of their own poems. Amber Tamblyn selects "Dahlias" by Dee Dee Jackson, drawn by its "energy" and compelling opening lines.

Reading of "Dahlias": Amber Tamblyn reads "Dahlias" with pronounced emphasis on internal rhymes and rhythmic patterns, bringing the poem's vivid imagery to life. She captures lines such as:

"The dahlias by now the fields are overgrown." ([02:15])

Discussion Highlights:

• Rhyming and Rhythm: Tamblyn praises the poem's internal rhymes and chiming meanings, noting how they create a musical quality that enhances the poem's impact. She remarks, “[04:38] I loved that it really emphasized some of the internal rhymes… seeing it on the page, you kind of hear them.”

• Imagery and Themes: The discussion delves into the poem's haunting qualities and profound imagery, such as "bodiced planets" and "skeletons clattering like chimes." Tamblyn observes, “[02:23] …they must contain all the colors of our universe,” highlighting the depth and expansiveness conveyed through simple floral imagery.

• Emotional Resonance: Kevin Young comments on the poem's ability to blend personal mourning with broader existential themes. Tamblyn adds that the unexpected shifts in the poem mirror life's unpredictability, comparing them to a song's bridge that alters the musical journey.

• Musicality: The conversation underscores the poem's song-like structure, with back-and-forth rhythmic patterns that evoke a sense of rocking or doubting, enhancing the poem's emotional ebb and flow.

Notable Quote:

"There's something about the way that it stretches from this close observation to this large declaration…" – Kevin Young ([08:05])

Reading and Discussion of "This Living" by Amber Tamblyn

Introduction to Tamblyn's Poem: Transitioning at [13:01], Kevin Young introduces Amber Tamblyn's own poem, "This Living," published in the June 10, 2024 issue of The New Yorker. He invites Tamblyn to share insights without revealing too much, setting the stage for an intimate exploration of her creative process.

Reading of "This Living": Tamblyn delivers "This Living" with a dynamic range, capturing the poem's oscillation between humor and profound emotion. The poem explores a series of vignettes that blend everyday occurrences with surreal or intense experiences.

Discussion Highlights:

• Structure and Repetition: Tamblyn discusses the poem's repetitive "it's going to" refrain, emphasizing its role in building a rhythmic and almost chant-like quality. She explains, “[13:14] …thinking about all of the crazy things that we can do or imagine or create or destroy or harm or love.”

• Themes of Love and Grief: The poem navigates through various emotional states, juxtaposing moments of love, grief, and absurdity. Tamblyn notes the duality of life’s beauty and cruelty, illustrating how painful moments can be interspersed with humor.

• Stream of Consciousness: The conversation highlights Tamblyn's use of a stream-of-consciousness technique, allowing each "it's going to" statement to inform the next, thereby creating a seamless flow of thoughts and emotions.

• Imagery and Metaphor: Kevin Young praises the vivid and sometimes unexpected metaphors, such as "parallel his lover, never perpendicular her," which Tamblyn explains as interruptions that mirror life's unpredictability.

• Personal Influences and Artistic Integrity: Tamblyn shares her background as a poet first, influenced by literary figures like Wanda Coleman and Amiri Baraka. She emphasizes that her approach to poetry informs all her creative endeavors, including acting and directing, striving to evoke emotion without explicit exposition.

Notable Quotes:

"It's going to be so good if it doesn't kill us first. The way things are going, it's probably going to kill us first." ([27:53])

"There's nothing that I do that does not come from the center of being a poet first." – Amber Tamblyn ([29:43])

Final Insights: Tamblyn reflects on the cumulative meaning of the repeated "it," discussing how repetition transforms simple words into profound statements, bordering on becoming mere sounds yet retaining emotional weight. She appreciates the poem's ability to encapsulate complex moments and emotions, making each stanza a potential short story.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Kevin Young summarizing the featured works and directing listeners to explore "Dahlias" and "This Living" on newyorker.com. Tamblyn's latest works, including her poem collection and the newsletter Listening in the Dark, are highlighted as must-reads for poetry enthusiasts.

Closing Remarks:

"This Living" by Amber Tamblyn and "Dahlias" by Dee Dee Jackson offer listeners a profound dive into contemporary poetry, blending vivid imagery with deep emotional currents. Amber Tamblyn's insightful discussions provide a richer understanding of poetic techniques and thematic explorations, making this episode a valuable experience for both seasoned poets and new readers alike.

Additional Resources:

• Dee Dee Jackson's Collection: My Infinity
• Amber Tamblyn's Latest Book: Listening in the Dark
• Access Poems: Available on newyorker.com and The New Yorker app.