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.
I'm not a big fan of poetry, but this piece is certainly moving, and picks up quite a head of steam as it captivates for the full nine minutes. Sean's recording is pretty good, other than a hum in the background, but it certainly doesn't detract from the message. No introduction or conclusion -- just straight poetry. Find a way to play this.
Comments for "If You See Something" by John Mulrooney
Produced by John Mulrooney
Other pieces by Sean Cole
Rating Summary
2 comments
Jonathan Goldstein
Posted on September 30, 2004 at 01:53 PM | Permalink
Review of If You See Something
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.
Justin Grotelueschen
Posted on August 15, 2004 at 09:52 PM | Permalink
Review of If You See Something
I'm not a big fan of poetry, but this piece is certainly moving, and picks up quite a head of steam as it captivates for the full nine minutes. Sean's recording is pretty good, other than a hum in the background, but it certainly doesn't detract from the message. No introduction or conclusion -- just straight poetry. Find a way to play this.