The New Yorker: Poetry – Episode Summary: "Rae Armantrout Reads Dorothea Lasky"

Release Date: November 27, 2024
Host/Author: Kevin Young, Poetry Editor of The New Yorker Magazine
Guest: Rae Armantrout, acclaimed poet and Pulitzer Prize winner

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The New Yorker: Poetry podcast, hosted by Kevin Young, poetry editor of The New Yorker, listeners are treated to a thoughtful exploration of contemporary poetry. Kevin welcomes esteemed poet Rae Armantrout, whose impressive body of work includes award-winning collections such as Go Figure, Finalists, Conjure, Wobble, and Versed. The episode focuses on Rae's readings and insightful discussions surrounding Dorothea Lasky's poem "Mother" and her own poem "Finally," both featured in The New Yorker.

Rae Armantrout Reads "Mother" by Dorothea Lasky

[00:59]
Kevin Young introduces the segment, highlighting that each episode features a poet selecting a poem from The New Yorker archive to read and discuss, followed by the reading of one of their own published works.

[01:36]
Rae Armantrout selects Dorothea Lasky's "Mother" as her chosen poem. She expresses her fascination with its simplicity juxtaposed with its complexity, describing it as a "kind of riddle" that captivated her.

[02:03]
Rae performs a heartfelt reading of "Mother," transporting listeners into a poetic narrative filled with symbolic imagery and emotional depth.

[03:32]
Following the reading, Kevin shares his immediate reaction, emphasizing the vivid world Lasky creates—whether it's dreamlike, mythological, or steeped in grief. He appreciates the blend of the ordinary role of a mother with the fantastical elements of a quest.

[03:52]
Rae Armantrout elaborates on her interpretation, noting the poem's intersection of daily life and mythic quest. She highlights the protagonist's journey through the rose garden, encountering dangerous animals and engaging in a search that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Rae points out the poem's use of plural forms and repetition, creating a sense of a labyrinthine quest:

"terrible fear upon fear, Mother, I was motherless"
[04:30]

[06:45]
Kevin draws parallels between the poem's repetitive structure and incantations or prayers, underscoring the urgency and emotional plea embedded within the lines.

[07:26]
Rae discusses the poem's enigmatic elements, such as the plural "they" and "gods," and the use of slightly off words like "noxious" and "toying." She suggests that these choices maintain the poem's defamiliarization, reminding readers of the poetic form itself and preventing a descent into a standard heroic narrative.

[09:17]
The conversation delves into the poem's rhythm and breathlessness, prompted by its lack of punctuation. Rae explains how this stylistic choice propels the reader forward, mirroring the protagonist's relentless search:

"I tend to give a little pause at the end of a line when I read. But since there's no punctuation, this just gets rolling..."
[12:52]

[14:21]
Rae emphasizes the poem's ability to evoke emotions without overt description, creating an immersive experience that feels both immediate and timeless.

[15:41]
Kevin connects the poem's themes to personal experiences of grief, highlighting its universal resonance through specific, poignant imagery:

"Mother, I wore a lilac dress and stepped through the thistle... I have this compelling need to get all of his stuff from the dry cleaner..."
[11:03]

[16:21]
Rae concludes her analysis by pondering the poem's conclusion, where the protagonist waits "200 years" in the garden, suggesting a transformative journey that intertwines personal growth with mythic narrative.

Rae Armantrout Reads Her Own Poem "Finally"

[18:03]
Transitioning from the discussion of "Mother," Kevin introduces Rae's own poem, "Finally," published in the October 24, 2022 issue of The New Yorker.

[20:26]
Rae reads "Finally," a poem that juxtaposes personal relationships with metaphoric imagery of shipwrecks and floodplains:

"Finally, not afterglow, not the last word. Still, they were able to more or less enjoy the feeling of being washed up together..."
[20:31]

[21:36]
Kevin interprets the poem initially as a depiction of marriage, appreciating its layered meanings and metaphorical depth. Rae agrees, explaining her use of the shipwreck metaphor as a framework to exaggerate and explore the dynamics of a long-term relationship.

[22:04]
Rae elaborates on the dual metaphorical layers, balancing the shipwreck imagery with the reality of a marriage, thereby maintaining a nuanced perspective that allows for both humor and depth.

[25:02]
The discussion touches on the poem's humor, a hallmark of Rae's work. She explains how exaggeration serves to highlight the resilience and humor found in enduring relationships:

"They had come to find failure hilarious and even faked it on some occasions."
[25:22]

[27:14]
Kevin appreciates the poem's title, "Finally," noting its dual implications of concluding an effort and reaching an end, which encapsulates the poem's exploration of long-term commitment and mutual understanding.

[28:15]
Rae reflects on the poem's metaphorical journey, acknowledging the initial framework of a natural disaster but steering it towards the intimate portrayal of a marriage, thus blending grand metaphors with personal narratives.

[29:49]
Kevin commends Rae for effectively weaving humor and poignant observations into her poetry, enhancing its relatability and emotional impact.

Conclusion

[29:56]
As the episode wraps up, Kevin and Rae exchange final thoughts, celebrating the intricate blend of metaphor, narrative, and emotional resonance in both "Mother" and "Finally." Kevin highlights the power of these poems to evoke deep feelings and contemplations through their unique structures and themes.

[30:16]
Listeners are reminded that "Finally" by Rae Armantrout and "Mother" by Dorothea Lasky are available on newyorker.com. Rae's latest collection, Go Figure, and Lasky's recently published work, The Shining, are also mentioned for those interested in exploring more of their poetry.

[30:58]
The episode concludes with acknowledgments of production contributions and invites listeners to subscribe to related New Yorker podcasts for more literary insights and narrations.

Notable Quotes

• Rae Armantrout on "Mother":

  "If someone told me, okay, here's a poem about mothers and roses, I would think Hallmark card, but it's really anything but that."
  [05:00]

• Kevin Young on Poetic Rhythm:

  "They could learn a lot from looking at a poem that gives us that kind of breath, but also breathlessness."
  [13:29]

• Rae Armantrout on "Finally":

  "They've been together so long, it's kind of like Dorothy Elaski's 200 years. They've been together so long that even these things that are usually very serious things, could be seen with humor."
  [26:22]

Final Thoughts

This episode of The New Yorker: Poetry offers a profound exploration of poetic narratives, blending analysis with personal reflections. Rae Armantrout's insightful readings and discussions provide listeners with a deeper appreciation of both Dorothea Lasky's "Mother" and her own "Finally," showcasing the enduring power of poetry to capture the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

Whether you are a long-time poetry enthusiast or a newcomer eager to delve into the nuanced worlds crafted by contemporary poets, this episode serves as a compelling invitation to explore the intricate dance between form, metaphor, and meaning in modern poetry.