Contemplative, Earnest

Poetry is a difficult proposition on the radio. TS Eliot spoke of it as being a secret language for a select few, and public radio has such a different mandate. Poetry can shove people away with its difficultness, rather than pull them closer, which is what good radio should do. But “If you see…” not only pulls you closer, it holds you there, riveted. If you are listening while doing the dishes, you will stop doing the dishes. It is poignant and moving. It is both political and intimately personal. It makes poetry on the radio feel like a natural fit.

Jonathan Goldstein
Montreal
September 30, 2004

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