Poem of the Day: 4/14/20

Clint Smith's Poem: A Tribute to New Orleans

Introduction to Clint Smith and His Work

• The speaker introduces a poem by Clint Smith from his collection Counting Descent, published in 2016, building on a previous poem discussed.

• The speaker shares their experience of learning about Clint Smith through a Harvard Extension poetry class and mentions his PhD work at Harvard.

• The speaker recalls seeing Clint Smith interview novelist Jasmine Ward, realizing later who he was after recognizing him.

Themes and Context of the Poem

• The final poem in the collection is titled "There is a Lake Here," inspired by Jamal May's "There Are Birds Here," which was discussed previously.

• The speaker reflects on the significance of New Orleans, noting its struggles while highlighting the beauty of the tribute to Jamal May’s work.

Analysis of "There is a Lake Here"

• The poem begins with imagery that contrasts typical perceptions of New Orleans, often associated with Hurricane Katrina and disasters.

• It presents an alternative view where the lake symbolizes connection and warmth rather than despair, emphasizing community and joy among children swimming.