Raymond Antrobus Reads John Lee Clark - The New Yorker: Poetry

Summary

Podcast Summary: The New Yorker: Poetry – "Raymond Antrobus Reads John Lee Clark"

Release Date: July 3, 2024
Host: Kevin Young, Poetry Editor of The New Yorker
Guest: Raymond Antrobus, Acclaimed Poet

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The New Yorker: Poetry, host Kevin Young welcomes the award-winning poet Raymond Antrobus. The conversation delves into the intricate interplay between disability and poetry, the nuances of translating tactile experiences into verse, and the profound connections between contemporary poets and literary canons.

Guest Introduction

Kevin Young opens the discussion by highlighting Raymond Antrobus's impressive accolades, including the Rathbones Folio Prize, the Ted Hughes Award, and the Somerset Maugham Award, among others. He warmly welcomes Antrobus to the program.

Kevin Young [00:59]: "My guest is Raymond Antrobus, who's received the Rathbones Folio Prize, the Ted Hughes Award from the Poetry Society, the Sunday Times Award, Young Writer of the Year Award, the Lucille Clifton Legacy Award, and the Somerset Maugham Award, among other honors. Raymond, welcome."

Exploring "A Protactile Version of Tintern Abbey" by John Lee Clark

Raymond Antrobus shares his admiration for John Lee Clark, a deafblind poet whose innovative approach to disability in poetry has significantly influenced his own work.

Raymond Antrobus [01:54]: "John Lee Clark is a poet that I've been following for a long time now, specifically his mode as a deafblind poet. His philosophy around disability in poetry or disabled poetics is something he often talks about."

Antrobus discusses how Clark's use of erasure and the syntax of sign language challenges traditional English literary canons, which often marginalize or misrepresent disability. He emphasizes the importance of authentic representation over metaphorical usage of disability in poetry.

Raymond Antrobus [02:30]: "It's not a bitter poem, it's not an angry poem. I don't really sense bitterness, but I do sense a kind of lyrical mischievousness."

Kevin Young appreciates the multidimensional realms the poem occupies, praising its tactile and embodied qualities.

Kevin Young [07:40]: "It's almost like there's many realms that this poem occupies, which I love, and so many of them are tactile."

Reading and Analyzing "A Protactile Version of Tintern Abbey"

Raymond Antrobus proceeds to read John Lee Clark’s “A Protactile Version of Tintern Abbey,” a tactile reimagining of Wordsworth’s classic. The poem intricately weaves sensory experiences with physical movements, reflecting the poet’s deafblindness.

Raymond Antrobus [04:45]:
When I smelled the smoke, I knew where I was.
Okay, there is water flowing along our flank here and here...
(Excerpt)

Post-reading, Antrobus elaborates on the poem's intent to embrace Wordsworth's challenge of capturing beauty without sight, using tactile language to evoke sensory depth.

Raymond Antrobus [07:40]: "John Lee Clark accomplishes that and more."

Introducing and Reading "Signs Music" by Raymond Antrobus

Kevin Young transitions to Antrobus's own work, introducing his poem "Signs Music," published in the October 23, 2023, issue of The New Yorker.

Kevin Young [19:32]: "Now, in our October 23, 2023 issue, the New Yorker publish your poem Signs Music, which you'll read for us in a moment."

Antrobus reads "Signs Music," a poignant exploration of parenthood, language acquisition, and the intersection of sound and sign.

Raymond Antrobus [22:06]:
Signs Music. The first word my son signed was music. Both hands, fingers conducting. Music for everything, even hunger...
(Excerpt)

Discussion on "Signs Music"

Antrobus explains the poem's multilingual and multimodal composition, emphasizing how sign language shapes his poetic expression. He discusses the interplay between written, spoken, and signed versions of his poems, highlighting the unique syntax of British Sign Language (BSL).

Raymond Antrobus [19:46]: "I have different versions of my poems. I have an English written version of my poem. I have a spoken version of my poems. And then I have a sign language BSL version of my poems."

Kevin Young commends the poem’s embodiment of playfulness, connection, and the seamless blending of personal and cultural narratives.

Kevin Young [26:06]: "What I love about this poem is... you're in the experience of what I think of as deep connection and pleasure and the ecstatic in the biggest sense."

Antrobus shares the personal journey behind "Signs Music," inspired by his son's development and the foundational role of sign language in their communication.

Raymond Antrobus [27:05]: "I decided writing this, like, really long poem, not knowing what was happening, and it became very bitty... So there's also like a loose Lucille Clifton lineage in there."

Tribute to Boyega Odobanjo

The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Antrobus pays tribute to Boyega Odobanjo, a talented poet who tragically passed away the previous year. He reflects on Odobanjo's contributions to Black British poetry and their personal collaboration.

Raymond Antrobus [36:12]: "He dreamt about this book, about Adam. He had a big vision for this book."

Kevin Young echoes the sentiment, expressing gratitude for Antrobus's efforts to honor Odobanjo’s legacy.

Kevin Young [40:39]: "Thank you for helping us keep his flame alive."

Conclusion and Upcoming Works

As the episode draws to a close, Antrobus announces the upcoming release of his poetry collection "Signs Music," available in both the US and UK.

Raymond Antrobus [40:46]: "It's out September in the US September 17th with Tin House and in the UK, September 12th with Picador."

Kevin Young expresses anticipation for Antrobus’s future works, praising the poet's ability to intertwine personal narratives with broader cultural and sensory experiences.

Kevin Young [41:07]: "It's really a pleasure. Signs Music by Raymond Antrobus as well as John Lee Clark's A Protactile Version of Tintern Abbey can be found on newyorker.com."

Key Takeaways

Disability in Poetry: The episode highlights the transformative role of poets like John Lee Clark and Raymond Antrobus in redefining how disability is portrayed in literature, moving beyond metaphor to authentic representation.
Multimodal Expression: Antrobus’s approach to poetry, which incorporates written, spoken, and signed forms, underscores the importance of embracing diverse linguistic and sensory experiences in creative expression.
Legacy and Tribute: The heartfelt tribute to Boyega Odobanjo emphasizes the tight-knit nature of the poetry community and the lasting impact of each poet’s work.
Upcoming Releases: Antrobus’s forthcoming collection "Signs Music" promises to continue exploring the intersections of language, sound, and sign, offering readers a multifaceted poetic experience.

Notable Quotes

Antrobus on John Lee Clark’s Influence [01:54]:
"His philosophy around disability in poetry or disabled poetics is something he often talks about."
Antrobus on "A Protactile Version of Tintern Abbey" [07:40]:
"John Lee Clark accomplishes that and more."
Young on "Signs Music" [26:06]:
"You're in the experience of what I think of as deep connection and pleasure and the ecstatic in the biggest sense."
Antrobus on Writing Process [33:27]:
"I think he does it. I think John Lee Clark accomplishes that and more."

This episode serves as a profound exploration of how poets navigate and articulate the complexities of disability, language, and cultural identity. Raymond Antrobus’s insightful commentary and evocative readings make for a compelling listen, offering both depth and accessibility to poetry enthusiasts and newcomers alike.