Last fall I led a seminar on the poetry and prose of John Donne here at the University of Mary Washington. As part of my preparation for the seminar, I began my “Donne a Day” podcast series in the summer. … Continue reading
My first set of attempts at recording and commenting on “The Relique” was spoiled by a technical problem: I thought I was using one microphone, but in fact was using the built-in microphone on my tablet PC. I redid the … Continue reading
As so often happens, I began this reading with great admiration for the poem and ended more than a little awestruck by it. Some thoughts on that awe. A successful or at least meaningful performance demands commitment, in time; a … Continue reading
They’re coming thick and fast now. Yesterday’s student presentation in our Donne seminar focused on the tradition of erotic theology as it is manifested in Donne’s work, especially his sacred poetry. Holy Sonnet 14 (“Batter my heart, three-personed God”) occupied … Continue reading
A dark epiphany at lunch today. I hope it’s an example of lifelong learning. The audio isn’t as polished as usual. Perhaps that’s apt. I wanted the iron-fresh odor before it dissipated, so I rushed the recording. But not the … Continue reading
One of my favorite Donne poems, and unfortunately one of his toughest. This lyric is thus a rather severe test case for my assertion that reading aloud can help elucidate poetry. Don’t judge my thesis just by my reading, though. … Continue reading
This may be a perfect poem. If it’s not perfect, it’s close. http://www.gardnercampbell.net/podcast/nocturnal.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (5.4MB)
Welcome back to the A Donne A Day podcasts. Actually, that’s for me: you didn’t go anywhere, but I got buried under the Term Avalanche. With some inspiration from EDUCAUSE, though, and with particular inspiration from a very interesting moment … Continue reading
Another farewell poem from John Donne. This one doesn’t reveal itself as a farewell until the very end. Until that time, it seems very much like “The Canonization” in its hyperbole regarding the lovers as epitomes of love. The ending, … Continue reading
“Twicknam Garden” both celebrates and subverts the Renaissance garden as a place of refuge from city life, a place that recalls the harmonious union of art and nature that was lost when Adam and Eve were expelled from Paradise, the … Continue reading