Summary of Episode 1299: "Hello, the Roses" by Mei-mei Berssenbrugge

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
• Host/Author: American Public Media
• Host: Major Jackson
• Episode: 1299: "Hello, the Roses" by Mei-mei Berssenbrugge
• Release Date: February 20, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 1299 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, hosted by Major Jackson, listeners are invited to explore the intricate relationship between poetry and scientific concepts. Major Jackson opens the episode by challenging the notion that poets and scientists are at odds, emphasizing instead how poets draw inspiration from scientific advancements in fields like engineering, astronomy, and biology. This symbiotic relationship contributes to the enduring nature of poetry.

"It is said poets are perpetually at odds with scientists. But the truth is, poets have long been inspired by advances in engineering, astronomy and biology." (00:05)

Poem Overview: "Hello, the Roses"

The featured poem, "Hello, the Roses" by Mei-mei Berssenbrugge, delves into the poetic exploration of light within human cells and the potential for intercommunication between plants and other life forms. The poem intricately weaves scientific terminology with vivid sensory imagery, creating a tapestry that invites readers to reflect on their connection with nature.

Key Themes and Imagery

1. Light and Cellular Biology:

   • The poem begins with the assertion that "Human cells contain light," setting the stage for a discussion on the microscopic interactions that underpin our existence.
   • This concept allows for the speculation about communication between different life forms through biological light particles.

2. Perception and Sensory Experience:

   • Berssenbrugge employs sensory language to describe the act of seeing a rose, blending visual perception with emotional and metaphysical experiences.
   • Phrases like "a color I see clairvoyantly" (01:27) and "the emotion of perfume" (01:49) illustrate the fusion of sight, smell, and emotion.

3. Embodiment and Connection:

   • The poem explores the relationship between the observer and the observed, suggesting a deep physical and spiritual connection.
   • The line "My soul radially whirls out to the edges of my body according to the same laws by which stars shine" (01:08) encapsulates the idea of universal interconnectedness.

4. Temporal and Spatial Dimensions:

   • The poet reflects on moments extending into time and the perception of light traveling at the speed of sight, indicating a seamless blend of past, present, and future.
   • "A moment extends to time passing as sense impression of a rose" (02:43) highlights this temporal fluidity.

5. Metaphorical Communication:

   • Light is used as a metaphor for communication between the self and the natural world, emphasizing the non-verbal exchanges that occur on a cellular level.
   • "The rose communicates instantly with the woman" (04:10) portrays this instantaneous connection.

Host's Insights and Commentary

Throughout the episode, Major Jackson provides insightful commentary that bridges the poem's content with broader philosophical and scientific themes.

• Poetry and Science Synergy:

  • Jackson underscores the harmony between poetic expression and scientific discovery, noting how both disciplines seek to understand and describe the world.
  • "Then experience is revelation because plants and people have in their cells particles of light that can become coherent, that radiate." (03:13)

• Embodiment and Perception:

  • He elaborates on the poet's exploration of physical perception as data of embodiment, contrasting it with the rose's perception.
  • "Physical perception is the data of my embodiment, whereas for the rose, scarlet itself is matter." (04:02)

• Emotional Resonance:

  • Jackson highlights the emotional depth conveyed in the poem, particularly how sensory experiences like scent and sight intertwine with memory and emotion.
  • "Like touching, it is so vibratory and so absorbent of my attention and longing with impressions like fingerprints all over." (03:50)

Concluding Reflections

"Hello, the Roses" serves as a meditation on the subtle and profound connections between humans and the natural world. Through its delicate interplay of scientific concepts and poetic imagery, the poem invites readers to pause and reflect on the unseen forces that bind us to our surroundings. Major Jackson adeptly guides listeners through this exploration, highlighting the enduring relevance of poetry in capturing the complexities of existence.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Human cells contain light." — Mei-mei Berssenbrugge (00:47)
• "A color I see clairvoyantly." — Mei-mei Berssenbrugge (01:27)
• "Petals and moving air, emotion of perfume." — Mei-mei Berssenbrugge (01:49)
• "Physical perception is the data of my embodiment, whereas for the rose, scarlet itself is matter." — Mei-mei Berssenbrugge (04:02)
• "Then experience is revelation because plants and people have in their cells particles of light that can become coherent, that radiate." — Major Jackson (03:13)

Conclusion

Episode 1299 of The Slowdown masterfully blends poetry and reflection, offering a profound examination of how scientific ideas can inform and enrich poetic expression. Mei-mei Berssenbrugge's "Hello, the Roses" serves as a poignant example of this interplay, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with both the natural world and their internal landscapes. Through Major Jackson's thoughtful guidance, the episode underscores the timeless relevance of poetry as a tool for understanding and connection.

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