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Words That Burn
Benjamin Collopy
85 episodes
4 days ago


Are you curious about poetry but find it a bit intimidating? Tune into Words that Burn, the podcast that aims to demystify poetry, one captivating poem at a time.

Hosted by Ben, an Irish poetry enthusiast, this podcast takes a closer look at the world of poetic expression and technique.

Each episode offers a comprehensive analysis of a selected poem, exploring the poet's biography, the cultural and historical backdrop, and the literary techniques that make these works profoundly moving.

Whether you're a seasoned poetry aficionado or a curious beginner, Words that Burn provides an engaging and approachable way to enhance your appreciation and understanding of poetry.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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All content for Words That Burn is the property of Benjamin Collopy and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.


Are you curious about poetry but find it a bit intimidating? Tune into Words that Burn, the podcast that aims to demystify poetry, one captivating poem at a time.

Hosted by Ben, an Irish poetry enthusiast, this podcast takes a closer look at the world of poetic expression and technique.

Each episode offers a comprehensive analysis of a selected poem, exploring the poet's biography, the cultural and historical backdrop, and the literary techniques that make these works profoundly moving.

Whether you're a seasoned poetry aficionado or a curious beginner, Words that Burn provides an engaging and approachable way to enhance your appreciation and understanding of poetry.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Education
Arts,
Books,
Self-Improvement
Episodes (20/85)
Words That Burn
This Living Hand by John Keats

For Halloween 2025, Words That Burn resurrects one of the most chilling poems in English literature: "This Living Hand" by John Keats. This short, macabre poem wasn't published until 77 years after Keats's death, making it feel like a genuine message from beyond the grave.

In this special episode, we explore the poem's dark, gothic imagery and the terrifying "strange bargain" it offers the reader. We dissect its uncanny duality, its sense of dread, and the horrifying biographical context of Keats's final days; a "posthumous existence" of body horror that forged this masterpiece.

I look at the poem's vampiric mechanism and Keats's desperate plea, not only for a transfusion of life, but for the artistic immortality he feared he'd never achieve.


This episode covers:

  • The dark history of Keats's "This Living Hand."
  • How Keats's embrace of darkness ("the burden of mystery") set him apart from other Romantic poets.
  • A close reading of the poem's body horror, from "earnest grasping" to the "icy silence of the tomb."
  • The link between Keats's final, agonising days and the poem's "vampiric" plea for life.
  • Why this poem is a perfect, terrifying read for the Halloween season.


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The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Soul Searcher' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4 days ago
15 minutes 26 seconds

Words That Burn
Rain by Raymond Carver

Ever woken up to rain and felt the urge to stay in bed all day? On this episode of Words That Burn "Rain" by Raymond Carver. This is a poem that seems ideally suited to September, exploring that universal feeling of surrendering to the weather and the comfort of your own bed.

Over the course of the episode I'll explore how Carver, a titan of the American short story, applies his signature "dirty realism" and sparse prose to his first love: poetry. We'll break down "Rain" stanza by stanza, examining the masterful techniques like enjambment and a staccato rhythm that turn a simple scene into a profound meditation on life.

To truly understand this poem, you have to understand the man. I look back into Raymond Carver's difficult life; his blue-collar struggles, his battle with alcoholism, and the cancer diagnosis that shaped his final years. Discover how his personal tragedies fuel the poem's stunning final lines about "unforgivable mistakes" and the resolute desire to live it all again.

In this episode, you will learn about:

  • Raymond Carver's poetic style: How his minimalist approach in short stories translates to his poetry.
  • Literary Analysis of "Rain": A line-by-line breakdown of imagery, structure, and rhythm.
  • The Power of Immediacy: How Carver uses techniques like pronoun omission to pull you directly into the experience.
  • Roland Barthes' "Punctum": We apply this photographic theory to understand how Carver creates moments of startling emotional impact that "puncture" the ordinary.
  • The Link Between Carver's Life and Art: How understanding his biography is essential to interpreting his work on regret, mortality, and acceptance.


00:00 Poetry Reading

00:36 Introduction to Words That Burn

01:47 Exploring Raymond Carver's Poetry

02:59 Carver's Writing Style and Techniques

03:46 The Struggles and Inspirations of Raymond Carver

05:08 Analysing 'Rain' by Raymond Carver

15:32 The Impact of Carver's Life on His Poetry

19:25 Final Thoughts


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The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Incredulity' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
20 minutes 42 seconds

Words That Burn
The Language Ban by Annemarie Ní Churreáin

This week on Words That Burn, we delve into the powerful and moving poem "The Language Ban" from Annemarie Ní Churreáin's acclaimed 2021 collection, The Poison Glen.

Join me as we explore the hidden history of Irish Sign Language (ISL) and the devastating impact of its suppression.

Discover the story of St. Joseph's School for Deaf Boys in Cabra, Dublin, and how the controversial 1880 Milan Conference led to a policy of "Oralism," forcing a spoken language upon deaf children and branding their native sign language as shameful. I'll unpack Ní Churreáin's potent imagery, from the "state makers" who "banished" the signs to the demonisation of the hand itself within a deeply religious and colonial context.


This episode explores:

  • The dark history behind The Poison Glen and its connection to Irish folklore and the suppression of a nation's past.
  • The crucial difference between Irish Sign Language (ISL) and other sign languages, and how it evolved uniquely within Irish culture.
  • The devastating impact of the Milan Conference and the enforcement of Oralism on the Irish deaf community.
  • The parallels between the suppression of ISL and the historical attempts to eradicate the Irish language (Gaeilge), including the use of the "tally stick."
  • A deep-dive analysis of Annemarie Ní Churreáin's "The Language Ban," examining its structure, folkloric references (the hawthorn and the Salmon of Knowledge), and its powerful conclusion on the "forced grammar" imposed on a community.


Join the conversation as we discuss how poetry can unearth forgotten histories and give voice to the silenced. This is essential listening for anyone interested in Irish history, poetry, disability studies, and the enduring power of language.


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The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Incredulity' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4 months ago
21 minutes 8 seconds

Words That Burn
Door On The Road by Mosab Abu Toha

Donation Link:

 Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: http://www.ipsc.ie/support/donate


In this episode of Words That Burn, I take a closer look at "Door on the Road," by Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha.

The poem opens with the aftermath of an explosion in a refugee camp, where a fallen door becomes a grave marker for a young man whose only remaining connection to his past is a worn key — the key to his family’s lost home in Yaffa.

As I unpack the powerful imagery in Abu Toha’s work, I explore how everyday objects like doors and keys become symbolic vessels for profound loss, memory, and hope in the context of forced displacement. I also delve into the historical significance of Yaffa, a once-thriving Palestinian city now largely inaccessible to its original inhabitants, and how the city’s erasure is mirrored in the poem’s narrative.

Throughout the episode, I draw connections between the poem and Abu Toha’s 2024 poetry collection Forest of Noise, a body of work that documents life in Gaza through stark, evocative imagery and deeply personal narratives. I discuss how the collection uses poetry as a means of bearing witness to everyday atrocities and preserving cultural memory amidst conflict.


00:00 The Poem

01:14 Introduction to Words That Burn Podcast

01:26 Support for Palestine

02:52 Mosab Abu Toha: A Witness Poet

06:27 Analyzing 'Door on the Road'

08:02 The Symbolism of the Door

14:02 The Key to Yaffa

22:10 The Tragic Reality of Palestinian Life

27:11 Final Thoughts and Call to Action


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The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Echoes' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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5 months ago
28 minutes 50 seconds

Words That Burn
Ophelia's Head Is Finished by Olga Dermott-Bond

In this episode of Words That Burn, I take a closer look at Ophelia’s Head Is Finished by the brilliant poet Olga Dermott-Bond—a haunting and layered ekphrastic response to John Everett Millais’ iconic painting Ophelia. Inspired by a chilling epigraph from one of Millais’ 1852 letters, the poem invites us to reconsider what lies beneath the surface of this romanticised artwork, and to centre the overlooked woman at its heart: Elizabeth Siddal.

As I explore the poem stanza by stanza, I reflect on its gothic tone, its critique of the Pre-Raphaelite obsession with beauty, and the physical toll of artistic creation on real women. The lines between Siddal and Shakespeare’s Ophelia, between art history and lived experience, begin to blur—and what emerges is a powerful meditation on agency, endurance, and the quiet violence of expectation.

Throughout the episode, I talk about the tradition of ekphrasis—poetry inspired by visual art—and how Dermott-Bond uses it not just to interpret but to reclaim. If you’re curious about the intersections between poetry, painting, feminism, and forgotten voices, I think you’ll get a lot out of this one.


00:00 The Poem

01:26 Welcome to Words That Burn

01:41 Context and Epigraph Analysis

02:34 Exploring the Poem's Themes

03:06 Historical Context of Ophelia

12:20 The Pre-Raphaelite Movement

13:49 Elizabeth Siddal's Story

15:01 Analysing the Poem's Stanzas

25:33 The Final Stanza and Conclusion



Resources & Links:

Millais' Ophelia

The Story Behind Ophelia by Kelly Richman-Abdou

Alluvia


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The Music In This Week's Episode:

‘Meanwhile’ by Scott Buckley – released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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6 months ago
30 minutes 17 seconds

Words That Burn
An Interview with Maurice Riordan

In this episode of Words That Burn, poet Maurice Riordan joins Ben to reflect on a career-spanning selection of poems curated by former student and fellow poet Jack Underwood. With the new Selected Poems from Faber and Faber arranged out of chronology, Riordan discusses how themes like rural life, modernity, nature, and time emerge more clearly—and more hauntingly—across decades of work.

Together, they explore how poetry manipulates time, the influence of film and science, the uncanny weight of Irish myth, and what it means to write with one foot in the past and the other in an overcrowded present. From candlelit farmhouses to televised World Cups, Riordan’s work straddles eras, places, and emotional states—always grounded in vivid, startling imagery.

Poems discussed include Rural Electrification, 1956, The Flight, The Lull, Timeout, Gone With the Wind, and Badb, among others.


00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:06 Maurice Riordan's Selected Poems

00:48 Themes and Evolution in Maurice's Work

03:15 Rural Electrification and Early Influences

06:35 The Power of Imagery in Poetry

12:28 Cinematic Influences on Poetry

17:21 Observations and Domestic Themes

21:23 Exploring Connection with Nature

25:50 The Influence of Irish Mythology

30:24 Reflections on Isolation and Alienation

33:01 Balancing Life Between London and Cork

34:42 The Intersection of Poetry and Science

37:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


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7 months ago
39 minutes 33 seconds

Words That Burn
Spring Song by Reg Saner

Spring Song by Reg Saner: an eternal cycle we're all lucky to have


In this episode of 'Words That Burn,' Reg Saner's poem 'Spring Song.' is the central focus

With spring setting in, the episode explores the poetic beauty and profound themes in Saner's work, such as points of intersection and transition, cyclical nature, and the ineffable qualities of the natural world. It also uncovers some fascinating aspects of Saner's life, including the roots of his obsession with conservation, his varied career as a soldier, professor, conservationist, and poet, and his eventual shift from poetry to essays. Join me as I take a look at a true hidden gem of American poetry, a man who eventually left the art form behind, but also left an indelible and distinct imprint on it too.



00:00 Introduction to Spring Song

00:37 Welcome to Words That Burn

01:45 Exploring Reg Saner's Background

04:09 Analysing the Poem's Imagery

06:31 The Cyclical Nature of Seasons

09:22 Orpheus and the Paradox of Change

10:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections

11:51 Contact Information


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The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Petrichor' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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8 months ago
13 minutes 17 seconds

Words That Burn
Snowdrops by Louise Glück

Exploring Louise Glück's 'Snowdrops': A Tale of Resilience and Renewal


It's a new year and with it comes the common pressure cooker that is January. You will be awash in a sea of resolutions and you might be feeling the need to ''hit the ground running'' so to speak. In short; I think it's awful. So for the start of 2025, this episode focusing Snowdrops by Louise Glück, a Nobel Prize-winning poet whose work captures the delicate balance of grief, resilience, and renewal.


The snowdrop, a fragile yet tenacious bloom of winter, serves as the perfect metaphor for this reflective time of year. Glück's poem speaks to survival, transformation, and the quiet strength required to embrace a new beginning—even amid life's harshest winters.


Join me as I unpack Glück’s masterful use of nature as allegory, her stark yet hopeful language, and the universal human experience reflected in her verse. This episode is a poignant reminder that growth often emerges from hardship and that taking time to rest, like the snowdrop buried in the earth, is an essential part of resilience.


As we step into 2025, let this poem inspire you to embrace not a blank slate but a continuation—an opportunity to thrive in the raw winds of a new world.

Tune in for an insightful and hopeful start to the year. And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—get in touch via email or on social media.

Happy New Year, and thank you for being part of the Words That Burn journey.


00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts

00:47 Welcome to Words That Burn

01:19 Louise Gluck and Her Poetic Voice

02:23 Themes and Techniques in Gluck's Poetry

04:48 Analysis of 'Snowdrops' - First Stanza

08:40 Analysis of 'Snowdrops' - Second Stanza

11:03 Human Resilience and Renewal

14:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections

17:17 Thank You


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The Music In This Week's Episode:

'At The End Of All Things' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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10 months ago
19 minutes 38 seconds

Words That Burn
November by Maggie Dietz

An In-Depth Analysis of 'November' by Maggie Dietz | Words That Burn Podcast

Join me, your host Ben, in this episode of 'Words That Burn' as I take a closer look at Maggie Dietz's poignant poem 'November.'

Together, we'll explore the evocative imagery, the interplay of surface and underlying themes, and Dietz's ability to gild the everyday moments of a bleak month. I'll zone in on how the poem encapsulates the transition from the vibrant October to the cold, harsh November, examining Dietz's unique rhyme scheme, her descriptive prowess, and the cyclical nature of the seasons. Tune in for an enriching examination of how humanity and nature mirror each other in the face of winter's arrival.


00:00 November by Maggie Dietz Poetry Reading

01:17 Welcome to Words That Burn

01:29 October's Splendour and Transition to November

03:11 Maggie Dietz's Poetic Style

05:23 Analysing the Poem's Imagery and Themes

10:19 The Colloquial Voice and Natural Imagery

15:39 The Subtle Rhyme Scheme

18:03 Humanity's Winter Retreat

20:31 Final Reflections on November

23:49 Conclusion


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The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Midvinter' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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11 months ago
25 minutes 8 seconds

Words That Burn
If I Must Die by Refaat Alareer

Donation Link:

 Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: http://www.ipsc.ie/support/donate


The Symbolism and Legacy of Refaat Alareer's Work


In this episode, we explore 'If I Must Die' by Palestinian poet Refat Al Arir, whose work powerfully voices the struggles and resilience of Palestinians. We delve into Refaat Alareer's , his tragic death in an Israeli airstrike, and the prophetic nature of his poetry. The episode also touches on the symbolic significance of kites in Gaza as emblems of hope and resistance. Alareer's commitment to amplifying Palestinian voices in English and promoting messages of endurance through art is thoroughly examined. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging donations and ongoing support for Palestinian literature and the Palestinian struggle.


00:00 A Poetic Legacy: Introduction to Refaat Alareer

01:18 The Life and Mission of Refaat Alareer

02:09 A Tragic End and a Prophetic Poem

04:04 The Global Impact of 'If I Must Die'

05:42 Refaat Alareer's Commitment to the Palestinian Cause

09:19 Symbols of Hope in Alareer's Work

11:26 The Kite: A Symbol of Resistance

13:28 Refat Alirear's Defiance and Message of Peace

14:47 The Poem's Collective Story of Survival

16:23 Call to Action and Closing Remarks



Listen to more Palestinian poetry:

Listen to the Episode on Mahmoud Darwish

Listen to the Episode on Fadwa Tuqan

Listen to the Episode on Najwan Darwish

Listen to the Episode on Noor Hindi


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The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Within Our Nature' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 year ago
18 minutes 14 seconds

Words That Burn
Blossom by Kathleen Jamie

In this episode of Words That Burn, I look at 'Blossom' by Scottish poet Kathleen Jamie. The episode explores Jamie's profound engagement with nature and the existential themes woven throughout her poem. Known for her realistic, non-romanticised depictions of the natural world, Jamie’s work prompts reflection on humanity's place in nature. The discussion touches on her careful observation and meditation-like practices in nature. The analysis focuses on the poem's compelling opening line on mortality, its invocation of Biblical imagery, and its ultimate message urging deliberate attention to life and nature. The episode also emphasises the importance of reconnecting with one’s surroundings for a fulfilling life.


  • [00:00] Introduction and Blossom Poem
  • [00:50] Struggling with Poetry
  • [01:19] Discovering 'Blossom' by Kathleen Jamie
  • [01:47] Kathleen Jamie's Writing Style
  • [04:02] Existential Themes in 'Blossom'
  • [04:19] Analysing the First Stanza
  • [06:53] Analysing the Second Stanza
  • [10:11] Biblical Allusions and Final Stanza
  • [14:13] Final Thoughts on 'Blossom'
  • [15:33] Engage with Words That Burn
  • [15:45] Contact and Support


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The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Reawakening' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 year ago
17 minutes 6 seconds

Words That Burn
An Interview with Jamie McKendrick

Exploring Poetry with Jamie McKendrick: Memory, Mortality, and Art


In this episode of 'Words That Burn', host Ben interviews Jamie McKendrick, one of Britain's leading poets and a foremost translator of Italian poetry. They walk through McKendrick's newest collection, 'Drypoint,' discussing themes of memory, mortality, art, and the intricate processes behind poetry writing. McKendrick shares insights into his fascination with etching, his (sometimes) laborious poetry process, and the interplay of ancient mythology with modern life. The episode also touches on broader themes like the nature of borders, the role of poetry in contemporary times, and the ecological concerns reflected in his work.


  • [00:00] Introduction to the Interview
  • [00:47] The Art of Etching and Poetry
  • [03:52] Themes of Memory and Mortality
  • [05:37] Crafting Poetry: Process and Criticism
  • [12:08] Intertextuality and Influences
  • [27:04] Liverpool's Influence and Historical Context
  • [30:17] Exploring Borders and Ownership
  • [34:44] Nature and Mythology in Poetry
  • [38:15] Conclusion and Final Thoughts


If you enjoyed this interview, or know someone who might, please consider sending it to them directly or leaving me a review wherever you listen.


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1 year ago
40 minutes 47 seconds

Words That Burn
Oh Rascal Children of Gaza by Khaled Juma

Donation Link:

 Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: http://www.ipsc.ie/support/donate


This episode takes a closer look at Khaled Juma's poignant poem, 'O Rascal Children of Gaza.' .

Written in response to the violence during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, the poem heartbreakingly laments the loss of Gaza's children. The episode highlights the poem's structure, the use of juxtaposition between joyful past and sorrowful present, and its stark portrayal of the silence that follows tragedy. Juma's work is analysed for its simplicity and powerful emotional appeal, showcasing the resilience and grief of the Palestinian people. The poem stands as a testament to the devastating impact of conflict on innocent lives and the unyielding spirit of Palestinian resistance and identity.




Listen to more Palestinian poetry:

Listen to the Episode on Mahmoud Darwish

Listen to the Episode on Fadwa Tuqan

Listen to the Episode on Najwan Darwish

Listen to the Episode on Noor Hindi


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The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Echoes' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 year ago
16 minutes 27 seconds

Words That Burn
There Are Mornings by Lisel Mueller

In this week's episode, we take a closer look at "There Are Mornings" by Liesl Mueller. A poem filled with undertones of threatened endings, but one that holds a burning ember of hope at its core that resonates deeply with readers


Liesl Mueller, an American-German poet born in 1924, brings a rich mythological context to her work. "There Are Mornings" intertwines mythological and biblical imagery with the ordinary, creating a compelling narrative that balances inner turmoil with quiet resilience. The poem's structure reflects a journey from a state of dire strife to an affirmation of enduring through the mundane.


Learn more about he poet herself: Forced to flee Nazi Germany in 1939 due to her father’s anti-fascist views, Mueller's early experiences undoubtedly influenced her poetic voice, which emerged in her thirties after the death of her mother.


Join me as we explore the layers of metaphor and myth within this poem, discuss Mueller's masterful use of language, and consider the dual interpretations of its powerful imagery. Is the poem a testament to human resilience or a portrayal of silent suffering?


If you've been enjoying Words That Burn, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback helps the show reach more poetry enthusiasts


The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Echoes' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au


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1 year ago
19 minutes 47 seconds

Words That Burn
An Interview with Sam Riviere on AI In Poetry


Last week I had an interview with the acclaimed poet Sam Riviere on his new collection Conflicted Copy. As AI technology continues to evolve, many artists feel apprehensive about its impact on their craft. However, Sam has chosen a different path by embracing AI as a unique writing companion, culminating in his innovative poetry collection, Conflicted Copy.

Join us as Sam shares his journey of curiosity and experimentation, exploring how he navigated the creative process with an earlier, less sophisticated AI model during the second wave of COVID-19. We discuss the blurred lines between human authorship and machine-generated text, the challenges of steering AI away from predictable patterns, and the unexpected beauty that emerges from these digital collaborations.

In our conversation, we touch on:


  • The inspiration behind Conflicted Copy and its unconventional creation.
  • The interplay between human intention and AI's linguistic capabilities.
  • The emotional resonance and aesthetic value found in AI's "hallucinations."
  • The broader implications of AI in the literary world and the future of creative writing.

Sam also gives us to a reading of "Safe Poem," a standout piece from his collection that encapsulates the mysterious and multifaceted nature of AI-assisted poetry.

Whether you're a poetry enthusiast, an AI aficionado, or simply curious about the future of artistic expression, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the collaborative possibilities between humans and machines. Tune in to discover how Sam Riviere is redefining the boundaries of poetry in the digital age.


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1 year ago
46 minutes 39 seconds

Words That Burn
The God of Stories by Ricardo Rowan Phillips

In this episode, we delve into "The God of Stories," a poignant poem by Rowan Ricardo Phillips from his latest collection, Silver (2024). This piece captures the essence of creation myths and the search for meaning, offering a fresh perspective on how we, as humans, assign significance to gods and everyday achievements alike.

I take a look at the layers of Phillips' verse, exploring themes of perception, identity, and the fluidity of meaning. From the intriguing opening lines to the dense, imagery, I note how Phillips navigates between symbolism and allegory, encouraging us to embrace the transformative power of storytelling.

Discover how the poem's epiphanies and rich metaphors reflect a universal yearning for identity and understanding in a world that often feels void of concrete truths. This episode will guide you through the intricate interplay between seeing and hearing, truth and mystery, and the self-definition found through interpretation.

This poem is a profound meditation on the nature of understanding, as we uncover the liberating potential of ambiguity and the continuous shaping of identity through the stories we tell.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with fellow poetry enthusiasts.


*In the interests of full disclosure I was sent a copy of Silver for review.


The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Echoes' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au


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1 year ago
19 minutes 38 seconds

Words That Burn
An Interview with Milena Williamson

On this episode of Words That Burn, I feature the poetry of Milena Williamson, a celebrated poet and author of the haunting collection Into the Night That Flies So Fast published by Daedalus Press. In this episode, Milena shares her journey from Pennsylvania to Belfast, her academic and creative endeavours at Queen's University Belfast, and the deeply personal project that turned into her latest book.


Dive deep into the tragic yet intriguing history of Bridget Cleary, a figure from l Irish history, whose story inspired Milena's collection. Bridget's life, marked by education, independence, and a tragic end, serves as a canvas for Milena's exploration of historical voice and tragedy through poetry and drama.


Milena discusses the unique structure of her collection, blending poetry with theatrical monologues to breathe life into historical figures, each resonating with authentic voices filled with grief, guilt, and the nuances of rural Irish life. Discover how real-life interactions and in-depth research into Irish culture and historical events influenced her poems.


This episode also features Milena reading from her collection, including the powerful poem "Lawful," and discussing the impact of Shakespeare and other literary influences on her work. Gain insights into how she intertwines classical references with the modern-day challenges faced by her characters.


Don't miss this fascinating conversation about creativity, historical reflection, and the power of poetry to address profound human experiences. Tune in to understand how Milena Williamson makes history resonate with today's audience through her compelling narratives and lyrical prowess.


Listen and subscribe to "Words That Burn" for more episodes that delve into the minds of contemporary poets and writers. If you enjoyed the interview, please leave us a review and share the podcast to help us reach more listeners interested in the transformative power of poetry.



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1 year ago
40 minutes 21 seconds

Words That Burn
Fuck Your Lecture On Craft, My People Are Dying by Noor Hindi

Donation Link:

 Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: http://www.ipsc.ie/support/donate


In this week's episode of Words That Burn, I take a look at the powerful poem 'Fuck Your Lecture On Craft, My People Are Dying' by Palestinian American poet Noor Hindi.

The poem found a surge of interest during the lockdowns of 2020 and became phenomenally popular on social media, with thousands of shares and retweets. Given its unflinching disdain for injustice and searing language that refuses to allow passivity to take hold in its audience, it's not hard to see why.

This abrasive but essential poem sheds light on the ongoing plight of the Palestinian people, revealing the grim realities of occupation through poignant imagery. We explore Hindi's critique of colonial mindsets and her challenge to academic conventions, which increasingly seem like hollow, banal rhetoric.

As violence and suffering continue to devastate Gaza, Hindi's words resonate with urgency and a yearning for justice. The poem is her call for decolonised thinking and is an excellent showcase of her ability to connect the personal with the political in a deeply moving way.

I look at Hindi's unique voice as she cuts through layers of rhetoric to present a searingly honest portrait of Palestinian resistance.


Brigid Quirke's Excellent Breakdown of the Poem


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The Music In This Week's Episode:

'Cicadas' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au


Listen to more Palestinian poetry:

Listen to the Episode on Mahmoud Darwish

Listen to the Episode on Fadwa Tuqan

Listen to the Episode on Najwan Darwish


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1 year ago
23 minutes 34 seconds

Words That Burn
An Interview with Camille Ralphs

This week on Words That Burn, I am joined by poet Camille Ralphs, whose debut collection After You Were, I Am mesmerises with its vibrant exploration of historical and mythological narratives often overlooked.

In this enlightening interview, Ralphs shares the inspiration behind her compelling work, featured in esteemed publications like the New York Review of Books and the Times Literary Supplement.

Discover the electrifying language and empathetic depth that animate figures from Elizabethan occultists to the Pendle Witches, offering a fresh perspective on their lives and legacies.

Listen an Ralphs' recites three poems from the collection that are all at once technically masterful yet poignantly human.

Ralphs' fascination with the Elizabethan Gothic, her innovative wordplay, and the profound empathy woven through her poems offer a rich tapestry of the past and present. From there, Ralphs' discusses her creative process, her exploration of form and language, and the intriguing blend of historical research and personal reflection that shapes her poetry.

Thanks a million to Camille for coming on and discussing all this with me. It was a really fun conversation.


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1 year ago
29 minutes 59 seconds

Words That Burn
Doineann by Caitlín Nic Íomhair


Welcome to this special Seachtain Na Gaeilge edition of Words That Burn, where we dive deep into the heart of Irish poetry.

In this episode, we explore "Doineann" by Caitlín Nic Íomhair, a poignant piece that mirrors the seasonal changes with the personal and linguistic rebirths of its narrator. Translated by the celebrated Colette Bryce for the anthology Calling Cards, this poem is not just a call for the revival of the Irish language but a testament to the enduring connection between our the Irish language and identity.


As we navigate through Nic Íomhair's evocative imagery and Bryce's meticulous translation, we unpack the poem's layers, revealing its rich dialogue with nature, language, and decolonisation. This episode also reflects on my personal journey with the Irish language and the broader cultural conversation about its place in modern Ireland.


With Seachtain Na Gaeilge upon us, Doineann stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience, urging us to peel away the layers of imposed languages to reveal our true linguistic selves. Caitlín Nic Íomhair's work challenges us to embrace bilingualism not as an afterthought but as an integral part of our identity. This episode aims to shine a light on the transformative power of language and poetry in shaping our collective consciousness.

If you're passionate about poetry, language, or the rich tapestry of Irish culture, this episode is for you. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of Irish poetry and its profound impact on our identity and heritage.


If this episode resonates with you, please share it with friends, leave us a review, and join our conversation about the power of language and poetry. Your support helps us bring more enriching content to light.

Go raibh míle maith agat.


Other Gaeilge Poems From Words That Burn:

Sceimhle by Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill

Conrioch by Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh


The Music In This Week's Episode:

'The Long Dark' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au


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1 year ago
16 minutes 31 seconds

Words That Burn


Are you curious about poetry but find it a bit intimidating? Tune into Words that Burn, the podcast that aims to demystify poetry, one captivating poem at a time.

Hosted by Ben, an Irish poetry enthusiast, this podcast takes a closer look at the world of poetic expression and technique.

Each episode offers a comprehensive analysis of a selected poem, exploring the poet's biography, the cultural and historical backdrop, and the literary techniques that make these works profoundly moving.

Whether you're a seasoned poetry aficionado or a curious beginner, Words that Burn provides an engaging and approachable way to enhance your appreciation and understanding of poetry.


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