With empty pockets, I am called upon to say a word of encouragement to all poets: Poetry lands directly in the core of my being and cuts open pathways through the oscure darkness into the light of my hidden heart, shining its beams of truth with clarity and offering deeper insight, so thank you all poets, big and small, near and far, for your vital trailblazing words. Thank you for keeping me alive.
This.... "I’m listening to the news as I am musing on this letter. I am struck by how urgent the news is. At times I want poetry to speak to powers. At other times I want poetry to praise the flowers that grow in the cracks of the road. And other times I want both. And more." xo
I became a paid subscriber here, because I love what you do -- your podcasts, your posts here and the conversations with others in the comments. Thank you. And thanks to everyone here. This begins to feel a bit like a community.
So, now, I just want to say something that is important to me to say. I really, really do not like the "love us" by donating trope that the On Being website has chosen to use. I like directness. I like supporting ventures that matter to me by subscribing or donating. BUT, I don't like the "money=love" equation, nor do I like being told what my donation means in quite this way, especially in relation to something that matters to me as much as poetry.
I hope this doesn't sound churlish. I wouldn't usually speak up about something like this. I am a bit unclear about the connection between On Being & Poetry Unbound.
Thank you for your feedback on our approach, Trish. We appreciate your candor and will consider your input carefully. Poetry Unbound is one of two podcasts offered from On Being Studios (the other being On Being with Krista Tippett) – the content is produced and tended by many of the same humans. Thanks for your question! With hopes this offers some clarity.
I’m really confused regarding the donation/subscription etc between OnBeing & Poetry Unbound & the Wisdom App. I currently pay the annual fee for the wisdom app, as I am delighted to support this beautiful work, and thought this was a good way of doing it. Is that entirely separate from supporting Poetry Unbound (my favourite part of the combine enterprise!)? Is it also separate now with the new style of OnBeing? I’ve tried teasing this apart on the OnBeing website but am none the wiser.
When I was moved by your letter, Padraig, and went to donate, I saw no connection to your podcast in the process and thus backed out. I agree with comments here that Poetry Unbound is my favorite part. I also like Krista Tippet’s work and have subscribed there. Might you possibly ask for a donation directly for your show? I would be happy to offer my small donation to you and the beautiful, sustaining work you do. However, I read your response to Trish and want to acknowledge the connection between your work and the studio as a whole, so if it “gets to you and your work” through On Being, then I will happily follow through. Now reading my comment here, I realize how cynical I sound! I do not like that... Money is sustaining. It’s just a fact.
I desire to communicate with other poets and artists. unfortunately, i do not feel confident enough to extend my own curiosities further. i've had this assumption that poets are the least understood in that particular sub genre. I've attempted to join in on open readings but the language is above me. The issue is more of the same rhetoric. I listen to learn new things yet I fret modern poetry is encountering some turbulence. I reside near some artsy communities. I feel like expanding this art form is minimal. It affects me. I compose poetry though it's never been selected for a reading or an open mic. Yes, I suppose bitterness loves acrimony. Well, perhaps I need a whole engine repair instead of a few small parts. Thanks for reading this comment.
I’m reminded of an interview with David Whyte on On Being where he relates a conversation he had with John O’Donohue. David was telling John that his father was in trouble and he was thinking of giving him some money. John asked David how much he was going to give. I’ll quote the episode: “He said, “How much are you thinking of giving him?” I said, “I don’t know. I thought £1,000” — because it was in England. “£1,000?” he says. “Give £2,000. Go beyond yourself,” he said. “Give £2,000.” I said, “All right. I’ll give £2,000.” He said, “Go beyond yourself again.”
[laughter]
“Give £3,000.” I said, “Thank you, John. A friend indeed is a friend in need.” So anyway, I ended up giving him £4,000, in the end…”
....
I have been having an extremely challenging week, and receiving this email was a gift! It offered me an opportunity to contribute to this podcast/substack that has given me so much. It lifted my mood being given this opportunity to “go beyond myself” or, I might say, to truly listen to myself. Thank you!!
With empty pockets, I am called upon to say a word of encouragement to all poets: Poetry lands directly in the core of my being and cuts open pathways through the oscure darkness into the light of my hidden heart, shining its beams of truth with clarity and offering deeper insight, so thank you all poets, big and small, near and far, for your vital trailblazing words. Thank you for keeping me alive.
Beautifully said. 💕 💕
This.... "I’m listening to the news as I am musing on this letter. I am struck by how urgent the news is. At times I want poetry to speak to powers. At other times I want poetry to praise the flowers that grow in the cracks of the road. And other times I want both. And more." xo
Dear Pádraig,
I became a paid subscriber here, because I love what you do -- your podcasts, your posts here and the conversations with others in the comments. Thank you. And thanks to everyone here. This begins to feel a bit like a community.
So, now, I just want to say something that is important to me to say. I really, really do not like the "love us" by donating trope that the On Being website has chosen to use. I like directness. I like supporting ventures that matter to me by subscribing or donating. BUT, I don't like the "money=love" equation, nor do I like being told what my donation means in quite this way, especially in relation to something that matters to me as much as poetry.
I hope this doesn't sound churlish. I wouldn't usually speak up about something like this. I am a bit unclear about the connection between On Being & Poetry Unbound.
with gratitude & all best wishes,
Trish
Thank you for your feedback on our approach, Trish. We appreciate your candor and will consider your input carefully. Poetry Unbound is one of two podcasts offered from On Being Studios (the other being On Being with Krista Tippett) – the content is produced and tended by many of the same humans. Thanks for your question! With hopes this offers some clarity.
I’m really confused regarding the donation/subscription etc between OnBeing & Poetry Unbound & the Wisdom App. I currently pay the annual fee for the wisdom app, as I am delighted to support this beautiful work, and thought this was a good way of doing it. Is that entirely separate from supporting Poetry Unbound (my favourite part of the combine enterprise!)? Is it also separate now with the new style of OnBeing? I’ve tried teasing this apart on the OnBeing website but am none the wiser.
When I was moved by your letter, Padraig, and went to donate, I saw no connection to your podcast in the process and thus backed out. I agree with comments here that Poetry Unbound is my favorite part. I also like Krista Tippet’s work and have subscribed there. Might you possibly ask for a donation directly for your show? I would be happy to offer my small donation to you and the beautiful, sustaining work you do. However, I read your response to Trish and want to acknowledge the connection between your work and the studio as a whole, so if it “gets to you and your work” through On Being, then I will happily follow through. Now reading my comment here, I realize how cynical I sound! I do not like that... Money is sustaining. It’s just a fact.
I desire to communicate with other poets and artists. unfortunately, i do not feel confident enough to extend my own curiosities further. i've had this assumption that poets are the least understood in that particular sub genre. I've attempted to join in on open readings but the language is above me. The issue is more of the same rhetoric. I listen to learn new things yet I fret modern poetry is encountering some turbulence. I reside near some artsy communities. I feel like expanding this art form is minimal. It affects me. I compose poetry though it's never been selected for a reading or an open mic. Yes, I suppose bitterness loves acrimony. Well, perhaps I need a whole engine repair instead of a few small parts. Thanks for reading this comment.
Slainte
I’m reminded of an interview with David Whyte on On Being where he relates a conversation he had with John O’Donohue. David was telling John that his father was in trouble and he was thinking of giving him some money. John asked David how much he was going to give. I’ll quote the episode: “He said, “How much are you thinking of giving him?” I said, “I don’t know. I thought £1,000” — because it was in England. “£1,000?” he says. “Give £2,000. Go beyond yourself,” he said. “Give £2,000.” I said, “All right. I’ll give £2,000.” He said, “Go beyond yourself again.”
[laughter]
“Give £3,000.” I said, “Thank you, John. A friend indeed is a friend in need.” So anyway, I ended up giving him £4,000, in the end…”
....
I have been having an extremely challenging week, and receiving this email was a gift! It offered me an opportunity to contribute to this podcast/substack that has given me so much. It lifted my mood being given this opportunity to “go beyond myself” or, I might say, to truly listen to myself. Thank you!!
I loved this article. Prose so poetic.