Podcast Summary: The New Yorker: Poetry – "Jim Moore Reads Jane Mead"

Release Date: October 23, 2024
Host: Kevin Young, Poetry Editor of The New Yorker
Guest: Jim Moore, Acclaimed Poet and Author

Introduction

[01:00] Kevin Young welcomes listeners to The New Yorker Poetry Podcast, introducing himself as the poetry editor of The New Yorker and outlining the program's format. He introduces Jim Moore, a distinguished poet with eight poetry collections, including his latest work, Prognosis. Moore is noted for receiving a Guggenheim Fellowship and multiple Minnesota Book Awards.

Notable Quote:

Kevin Young [01:00]: "On this program, we invite a poet to choose a poem from the New Yorker Archive to read and discuss. Then they read a poem of their own that's been published in the magazine today."

Jim Moore Reads Jane Mead’s "I Wonder if I Will Miss the Moss"

Selection and Initial Impressions

[01:34] Jim Moore shares his connection to Jane Mead’s poem, I Wonder if I Will Miss the Moss, highlighting its lasting impact on him since first encountering it in 2021. He emphasizes its powerful representation of personal reflection and emotional depth.

Reading of the Poem

[02:10] Jim Moore poignantly reads the entirety of Jane Mead’s poem, capturing its contemplative and evocative imagery.

Analysis and Discussion

[03:35] Kevin Young commends Moore’s reading, focusing on the poem’s pacing and its blend of benediction and annunciation. He draws attention to the stanza detailing the natural elements—stones, sticks, lichen, and moss—and explores the poem’s grounding in tangible, earthy imagery.

[04:30] Jim Moore elaborates on his interpretation, describing the poem as a conversation with an old friend delivering profound news, likely about impending death, while simultaneously celebrating a deep love for life. He discusses the poem’s shift from expansive statements to intimate, humble reflections, underscoring its humanizing effect.

Notable Quotes:

Jim Moore [04:30]: "I think she was an old friend... it was probably about an impending death, but also about a great love of life."

Kevin Young [06:00]: "It's both brave and humble... tremendous acceptance at the end."

Themes Explored:

• Nature and Belonging: The poem interweaves vivid natural imagery with a sense of belonging and connection to the earth.
• Humility and Bravery: The concluding lines convey a humble acknowledgment of one's actions and acceptance of mortality.
• Human Experience: The poem captures universal experiences of fear, love, and acceptance, making it relatable across different contexts.

[07:11] Jim Moore draws parallels between the act of walking in poetry and its historical significance, suggesting that such motifs signal shifts or changes within the narrative.

[07:32] Jim Moore clarifies that he did not know Jane Mead personally but feels a deep connection to her through her poetry, particularly this piece which was published posthumously, hinting at her illness during its creation.

[08:38] Kevin Young highlights the poem’s blend of bravery and humility, noting its matter-of-fact tone that encapsulates acceptance.

[09:21] Jim Moore reflects on the poem’s simplicity and earthiness, emphasizing its universal resonance without grandiose narratives.

[12:04] Jim Moore comments on the poem’s musicality and repetition, noting how it enhances the poem’s emotional impact.

Jim Moore Reads His Own Poem "Mother"

[12:59] Kevin Young transitions to Moore’s own work, introducing his poem Mother, published in the July 29, 2024 issue of The New Yorker.

Reading of the Poem

[13:14] Jim Moore delivers a heartfelt and intimate reading of Mother, a poem that delves into personal trauma, loss, and the complexities of maternal relationships.

Analysis and Discussion

[15:15] Kevin Young praises the poem's emotional depth and vivid imagery, particularly the portrayal of the cat named Mother and the nuanced depiction of trauma and healing.

[17:02] Jim Moore discusses the poem’s genesis, revealing it as a pivotal piece in his exploration of personal trauma and healing. He explains the significance of the added line, "Did you know all along I was writing this poem to you?" which bridges past experiences with the present moment, enhancing the poem’s introspective quality.

[20:28] Jim Moore shares insights from Seamus Heaney’s philosophy, emphasizing the importance of spontaneity and openness in poetry. He reflects on how writing this poem allowed him to confront and articulate deeply held personal traumas, fostering a connection that transcends individual experience.

Themes Explored:

• Trauma and Healing: The poem navigates the lingering effects of trauma and the ongoing journey toward healing.
• Memory and Connection: Moore intertwines memories of his mother with his own experiences, creating a dialogue between past and present.
• Acceptance and Continuity: The poem acknowledges unresolved pain while embracing the continuity of life and relationships.

[21:53] Kevin Young reflects on the profound lessons learned from the poem, appreciating its raw honesty and the delicate balance between pain and survival.

Discussion on Upcoming Work and Broader Reflections

[22:04] Jim Moore provides a glimpse into his forthcoming poetry collection, Enter, which began in 2020. He outlines the collection’s themes, including reflections on the pandemic, social and cultural unrest, joy, aging, and his experiences living in Italy. The collection aims to balance acknowledgment of global turbulence with moments of happiness and surprise.

Notable Quote:

Jim Moore [23:01]: "The challenge of the book... I want to live a life that's got joy in it, that's got happiness, that's got surprise in the best sense of that word."

[24:33] Jim Moore emphasizes the universality of human experiences such as pandemics and mortality, highlighting poetry’s role in connecting personal narratives to broader human contexts. He underscores the solitary yet deeply connective nature of poetry, fostering an "inner journalism" that reflects collective realities.

Conclusion

[24:41] Kevin Young and Jim Moore wrap up the episode, expressing mutual appreciation for the insightful discussions and the shared poetic journey. They highlight where listeners can find their featured poems:

• Jane Mead’s "I Wonder if I Will Miss the Moss" and
• Jim Moore’s "Mother"
  available on newyorker.com.

Upcoming Works Mentioned:

• Jane Mead’s last book: To the New and Collected Poems
• Jim Moore’s forthcoming collection: Enter

Closing Remarks: Kevin Young encourages listeners to explore more poetry on The New Yorker website and app, providing information about related podcasts and upcoming episodes.

Notable Quotes Compilation:

• Kevin Young [01:00]: "On this program, we invite a poet to choose a poem from the New Yorker Archive to read and discuss..."
• Jim Moore [04:30]: "I think she was an old friend... it was probably about an impending death, but also about a great love of life."
• Jim Moore [22:04]: "The challenge of the book... I want to live a life that's got joy in it..."
• Jim Moore [20:28]: "It's like, here's what it's like. It's like... you get beyond yourself in a certain way."

This episode of The New Yorker Poetry Podcast offers a profound exploration of poetic expression, connecting personal narratives with universal themes. Through the thoughtful readings and discussions by Jim Moore and Kevin Young, listeners gain deep insights into the transformative power of poetry.