Words That Burn Benjamin Collopy

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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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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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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Enter the poetic world of Leonard Cohen with this special episode of Words That Burn, dedicated to the transformative power of love and mysticism in Cohen's work. In this episode, we unravel the layers of "Owning Everything," a poem that captures the essence of Cohen's early poetic ventures through its intricate blend of romantic mysticism, spirituality, and the profound connections between the divine and the mundane.
This is a very special episode dedicated to my gorgeous partner, Hannah. We both have a special place in our hearts for the works of Leonard Cohen and he was one of our first great shared loves.
Leonard Cohen, known for his cryptic and ethereal presence in the music and literary worlds, started his journey as a poet. His collections, including "Let Us Compare Mythologies," "The Spice Box of the Earth," and "Flowers for Hitler," laid the foundation for a career that would blend love, spirituality, and human experience into a unique artistic expression.
I explore how Cohen's work, deeply rooted in love's myriad forms—be it lust, romance, or religious transcendentalism—serves as a testament to his belief in the transformative power of love. Through "Owning Everything," Cohen delves into the intimate connection with the beloved, turning the world around him into an extension of this bond, where even the moon and the river carry the weight of his devotion.
Join me as I look at Cohen's evolution from a poet to a music icon, his impact on the singer-songwriter movement, and how his exploration of love and mysticism continues to resonate with audiences today. This episode is not just an analysis of Cohen's work but a tribute to the enduring legacy of a literary and musical legend whose themes of love and divine encounter remain as relevant as ever.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of Leonard Cohen or new to his work, this episode offers insightful interpretations and personal reflections on the ways love can shape and transform us. Words That Burn invites you to ponder the depths of Cohen's poetry and its reflection on our own experiences with love, loss, and the quest for meaning.
The Music In This Week's Episode:
'Within Our Nature' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

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On this episode, I explore the world of Edna St. Vincent Millay, one of America's first celebrity poets. I unravel the layers of "Siege," a poem that showcases Millay's brilliant manipulation of traditional forms to express themes of desire, and the inexorable presence of death.
Discover how Millay, a luminary of the 1920s, defied societal norms with her bold exploration of sexuality, politics, and the human condition, earning her a place as a pivotal figure in literary history.
I take a closer look at Millay's life, from her stratospheric rise to fame to her untimely decline, shadowed by addiction and loss. Then I focus her groundbreaking work, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Ballad of the Harp Weaver," and how her legacy has been unfairly obscured by her scandalous reputation.
"Siege" serves as a testament to Millay's mastery of poetic form and her profound insight into the human psyche.
Edna St. Vincent Millay was a poet who lived fearlessly, wrote passionately, and left an indelible mark on the world of literature. Whether you're a long-time admirer of Millay or new to her work, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the mind of a poet who dared to challenge the conventions of her time.
Key Highlights:
Insightful analysis of "Siege," Millay's poignant reflection on mortality and the futility of material possessions.Exploration of Millay's role as a "new woman" of the 1920s, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations.Discussion of Millay's impact on poetry and her controversial personal life, including her affairs and outspoken political views.Examination of Millay's legacy and the modern resurgence of interest in her work.
If you're captivated by the blend of beauty and rebellion in Millay's poetry or intrigued by her extraordinary life, don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with fellow poetry enthusiasts. Your support helps us bring the transformative power of poetry to more listeners.

The Music In This Week's Episode:
'Reawakening' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
The New Yorker Article
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Donation Link:
 Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: http://www.ipsc.ie/support/donate
On this episode of Words That Burn, I take a look at the poignant work of Palestinian poet Najwan Darwish and his devastating poem "Nothing More to Lose." This poem was written over ten years ago, but its message seems more important and contemporary today than ever before. His words explore the heart-wrenching realities of Palestinian life under occupation. The poem, expertly translated by Kareem James Abu-Zeid, serves as a testament to the physical, spiritual, and cultural losses endured by the Palestinian people.
Recorded against the backdrop of ongoing turmoil in Palestine, this episode sheds light on the relentless attempts by the Israeli government to erase Palestinian identity, culture, and existence. The poem delves into the history and significance of key locations of Palestine, such as the madrasah of Saladin, the village of Lifte, and the Sea of Galilee, bringing to life the sounds, sights, and emotions tied to these places.
Learn more about Najwan Darwish's unique poetic style, his refusal to adhere to a consistent poetic voice, and his critical examination of not only the Israeli occupation but also the wider political and cultural issues within Palestine.
Discover how poetry by Darwish, acts as a historical witness to the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people.
The Music In This Week's Episode:
'Cicadas' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
Listen to the Episode on Mahmoud Darwish
Listen to the Episode on Fadwa Tuqan
Follow the Podcast:
Read the Script on Substack
Follow the Podcast On Instagram
Follow the Podcast on X/Twitter
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.