Poetry Unbound

On Being Studios•onbeing.org

Short and unhurried, Poetry Unbound is an immersive exploration of a single poem, hosted by Pádraig Ó Tuama. Pádraig Ó Tuama greets you at the doorways of brilliant poems and walks you through — each one has wisdom to offer and questions to ask you. Already a listener? There’s also a book (Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World), a Substack newsletter with a vibrant conversation in the comments, and occasional gatherings.

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Episodes

Ross Gay — Ode to Buttoning and Unbuttoning My Shirt

Ross Gay’s poem “ Ode to Buttoning and Unbuttoning My Shirt ” uses an everyday task to examine what is made and unmade in small moments. He imagines his fingers opening and closing things, like buttons, the eyes of a dead person, relationships. In doing so, the poem asks us to simply pay attention, today, to what we’re doing with our hands — to understand them as intimate pathways into the stories of our bodies and the stories of our lives. A question to reflect on after you listen: What have yo...

Feb 24, 2020•9 min•Season 1Ep. 10

Allison Funk — The Prodigal’s Mother Speaks to God

Allison Funk’s poem “ The Prodigal’s Mother Speaks to God ” tells the age-old story of The Prodigal Son through a new voice: the unnamed woman of the parable. This woman is truthful, wise, and loving. She knows the dedications and limitations of love. She seeks to see clearly, even though it’s hard to see clearly. A question to reflect on after you listen: When has love been complicated for you? About the Poet: Allison Funk is a distinguished professor of English at Southern Illinois University ...

Feb 21, 2020•8 min•Season 1Ep. 9

Jane Mead — Substance Abuse Trial

Jane Mead’s “ Substance Abuse Trial ” is set in a courtroom where a daughter hears her father’s name mispronounced at his trial. As she watches this, she wishes that the court could see the fullness of her father and his story — to bear witness to him as a human being, defined by much more than his addiction. A question to reflect on after you listen: When was a time when you were judged based on a mistake you made, rather than the fullness of who you are? About the Poet: Jane Mead authored five...

Feb 17, 2020•9 min•Season 1Ep. 8

Ocean Vuong — Seventh Circle of Earth

Ocean Vuong’s poem “ Seventh Circle of Earth ” is an homage to the love and intimacy shared by Michael Humphrey and Clayton Capshaw, a gay couple who were murdered in their home in Dallas, Texas. In the midst of recognizing the violence and threat LGBTQI communities face, the poem holds space for tenderness — and honors their love. A question to reflect on after you listen: What examples have you seen of love and power enacted, even in the face of threat? About the poet: Ocean Vuong is an assist...

Feb 14, 2020•12 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Tracy K. Smith — Song

Tracy K. Smith’s poem “ Song ” is filled with observations of a loved person: their habits, the things they do when they think nobody is watching. Love is shown and celebrated in observing the small practices of another. A question to reflect on after you listen: What’s something small and quiet you’ve noticed about a loved one? About the poet: Tracy K. Smith is a professor of creative writing at Princeton University and the former poet laureate of the United States. Her poetry collections inclu...

Feb 10, 2020•9 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Marie Howe — My Mother’s Body

Marie Howe’s poem “ My Mother’s Body ” is wise about age. In the poem, Marie’s mother is young enough to be Marie’s own daughter, and in this imagination there is wonder, understanding, and even forgiveness. A question to reflect on after you listen: Are there things that you have found easier to understand — or even forgive — as you’ve gotten older? About the poet: Marie Howe is a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. She’s published four collections of poetry: What the Living Do , The G...

Feb 07, 2020•8 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Faisal Mohyuddin — Prayer

Faisal Mohyuddin’s poem “ Prayer ” describes a practice of devotion. It’s a spacious and hospitable poem, filled with references to ritual and the body, and an invitation to share in the warm light of a household lamp. A question to reflect on after you listen: What rituals do you use to anchor yourself? About the poet: Faisal Mohyuddin is a writer, artist, and educator. He is the author of The Displaced Children of Displaced Children , winner of the 2017 Sexton Prize in Poetry and a 2018 Summer...

Feb 03, 2020•9 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Aimee Nezhukumatathil — On Listening to Your Teacher Take Attendance

Aimee Nezhukumatathil’s poem “ On Listening to Your Teacher Take Attendance ” offers a way to ground yourself during vulnerable moments. The poet gathers strength from being loved, which helps her in times of displacement. A question to reflect on after you listen: What stories do you hold on to when you're feeling displaced? About the poet: Aimee Nezhukumatathil is a professor of English and creative writing in the MFA program at the University of Mississippi. She also serves as the poetry edit...

Jan 31, 2020•8 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Brad Aaron Modlin — What You Missed That Day You Were Absent from Fourth Grade

Brad Aaron Modlin’s poem “What You Missed That Day You Were Absent from Fourth Grade” speaks of learning to grow up by yourself. The poet wonders what life lessons would look like if they could be taught by a teacher; a good teacher, a teacher like Mrs. Nelson. A question to reflect on after you listen: What life lessons did you have to learn by yourself? About the poet: Brad Aaron Modlin is the Reynolds Endowed Chair of Creative Writing at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He holds a PhD f...

Jan 27, 2020•8 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Welcome to Poetry Unbound

Poetry Unbound features an immersive exploration of a single poem, guided by Pádraig Ó Tuama. Short and unhurried; contemplative and energizing. Proudly produced by On Being Studios. Anchor your week with new episodes on Monday and Friday, beginning January 27. This season features poetry from a diverse cast of poets: current and former poets laureate Joy Harjo and Tracy K. Smith; T.S. Eliot Prize winner Ocean Vuong; classic poets like Emily Dickinson and Patrick Kavanagh; spoken-word artists li...

Dec 23, 2019•1 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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