Close Talking

W. S. Merwin's recent passing got Connor and Jack thinking about his work. In this episode they explore the elegantly structured, gut-punchingly powerful "For the Anniversary of My Death" from Merwin's collection "The Lice." Jack brings up the concept of the presence of absence and Connor finds new levels of sonic resonance in the poem's final line. Read the poem below.
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 You can always send us an e-mail with thoughts on this or any of our previous podcasts, as well as suggestions for future shows, at closetalkingpoetry@gmail.com. For the Anniversary of My Death By: W. S. Merwin Every year without knowing it I have passed the day When the last fires will wave to me And the silence will set out Tireless traveler Like the beam of a lightless star Then I will no longer Find myself in life as in a strange garment Surprised at the earth An