The New Yorker: Poetry Podcast – Episode Summary

Title: Erika Meitner Reads Philip Levine
Host/Author: WNYC Studios and The New Yorker
Release Date: May 21, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The New Yorker: Poetry, Kevin Young, the poetry editor of The New Yorker, engages in a thoughtful conversation with poet Erika Meitner. The episode features Erika reading Philip Levine's renowned poem "What Work Is" and her own poem "To Gather Together." The discussion delves into the nuances of these works, exploring themes of labor, community, and the human condition, especially in the context of contemporary challenges.

Discussion of Philip Levine's "What Work Is"

Selection and Personal Connection

Erika Meitner initiates the conversation by introducing Philip Levine's poem "What Work Is." She inquires about what drew Kevin Young to choose this particular piece.

Kevin Young's Reflection:
"So there's so many things about this poem that I love. Back when I was about 15, I bought a used copy... this poem stood out to me as first of all, I didn't know poetry could be so narrative and so accessible." (01:56)

Young highlights his early appreciation for Levine's ability to blend narrative accessibility with deep emotional resonance, particularly the portrayal of working-class struggles and enduring love.

Personal Correspondence with Philip Levine:
Kevin shares a personal anecdote about corresponding with Philip Levine after submitting his own work, emphasizing the mutual respect and influence between poets.
"He ended up writing me a really nice note about my poems... And I still remember he said, you write with so much energy and pluck." (03:54)

Analysis of "What Work Is"

Narrative and Emotional Complexity:
Erika observes the poem's intricate balance between welcoming tones and underlying tension. She notes how the poem begins with an inclusive "we" but shifts to a directive "you," creating a dynamic tension.
"You don't know what work is. Forget you. I love that kind of mix of bringing in with the we and then turning it on this you who is kind of kicked out of the poem." (07:02)

Themes of Work and Art:
Kevin delves into the themes of the poem, discussing how Levine intertwines the concepts of work and art, suggesting that both require passion and love.
"In this poem, at least, art is work and work is art." (09:16)

Human Connection and Defiance:
The conversation explores how the poem conveys a defiant struggle against oppressive work conditions while also expressing profound familial love.
"But it's clear he's able to tell his brother he loved him indirectly by writing it into the poem." (11:13)

Relatability and Realism:
Kevin appreciates the poem's realistic portrayal of laborious jobs and its refusal to sanitize the harsh realities faced by workers.
"It doesn't iron out either the internal monologue, the anger, or the circumstances, which are something we would think of normally as, like, non poetic." (13:02)

Erika Meitner's Poem "To Gather Together"

Introduction to the Poem:
Transitioning from Levine's work, Erika introduces her own poem, "To Gather Together," which reflects on the complexities of human connection during the pandemic.

Context and Inspiration:
Kevin shares the personal backdrop of the poem, mentioning his mother's stroke during the pandemic and the broader societal impacts of COVID-19.
"My mother had a stroke during the pandemic... And that was in the spring of 2021." (27:16)

Reading of "To Gather Together":
Erika performs her poem, capturing the fragmented yet yearning essence of post-pandemic reunions and the lingering anxieties about physical closeness.

Analysis of "To Gather Together"

Exploration of Togetherness and Isolation:
Erika and Kevin discuss how the poem juxtaposes the desire to reconnect with the residual fears instilled by the pandemic.
"There's a kind of shift between the self being a little bit unmoored... and then this you that it feels like is a point of connection." (23:09)

Body and Vulnerability:
The poem delves into bodily presence and the vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic, emphasizing the challenges of redefining personal space and intimacy.
"Bodies, man. They're complicated and fall apart." (23:47)

Language as Connection:
They explore how language serves as a bridge between individuals trying to articulate their complex emotions and reestablish connections.
"It's the body, it's the self. But there's also this kind of language... trying to describe this particular moment." (25:52)

Apocalyptic and Redemptive Elements:
Kevin relates the poem to broader themes of environmental apocalypse and human resilience, hinting at the redemptive power of human connection amidst chaos.
"I think the redemption comes in the human connection." (37:25)

Anthology and Broader Reflections

A Century of Poetry in The New Yorker:
The conversation touches on the anthology "A Century of Poetry in The New Yorker, 1925-2025," highlighting how contemporary events like 9/11 and the pandemic are framed within the broader historical context of poetry addressing moments of crisis.

Timeliness and Timelessness in Poetry:
Erika emphasizes that effective poetry captures the immediacy of the present while resonating with universal, timeless themes.
"The best poems do that. They have to be both timely and timeless." (34:00)

Conclusion

The episode concludes with reflections on the transformative power of poetry in articulating personal and collective experiences. Erika Meitner and Kevin Young underscore the essential role of poets in navigating and expressing the complexities of contemporary life, especially during tumultuous times like the pandemic.

Final Thoughts:
"I think that's where we find the redemption." (37:06)

Where to Listen and Further Reading

Both "What Work Is" by Philip Levine and "To Gather Together" by Erika Meitner are available on newyorker.com. Additionally, these poems are featured in the anthology A Century of Poetry in The New Yorker, 1925-2025, available at the New Yorker Store and major book retailers.

Notable Quotes:

• "I didn't know poetry could be so narrative and so accessible." — Kevin Young (01:56)
• "Art is work and work is art." — Kevin Young (09:16)
• "Bodies, man. They're complicated and fall apart." — Erika Meitner (23:47)
• "I think the redemption comes in the human connection." — Kevin Young (37:25)

This episode offers a profound exploration of how poetry serves as a medium for expressing and understanding the multifaceted experiences of work, community, and personal relationships, particularly in challenging times.