Episodes
Thursday Feb 14, 2019
Thursday Feb 14, 2019
In part 2 of this two-part series, podcaster Tracy Crow, an author, writing coach, and Marine Corps veteran, discovers how special guest, Michael Lancaster -- a West Point grad, Vietnam combat helicopter pilot, and former professor of literature and moral philosophy -- uses poetry as a way to witness and honor the divinity within everything. Whether Mike is writing about the kingfishers around the salt ponds, or the tidal flows affecting the salt ponds, themselves, nothing escapes his attention. "I notice things," he says. "And they matter to me." Mike confesses his lifelong struggle with Catholicism, though doesn't shy away from crediting a Catholic priest for providing the most life-changing wisdom to date: about the value of emptying ourselves before the one we love so that we remain truly present. "Empty it all out," Mike repeats. "Empty the poems in your head, empty it all out, like the tides leaving the salt ponds...and then let it all rush back in to fill you." Mike also shares intimate details about losing Ellen, his wife of 51 years, to cancer a few months ago. And he gifts us with readings of two poems, including an enlightening story about writing his first poem in the presence of a friend while the two were enjoying the sights and sounds of the salt ponds. So let's listen in as Mike shares how he's learned to live his most creative life!
Comments (3)
To leave or reply to comments, please download free Podbean or
I am so touched by your testimony to Ellen's strength as a partner and wife through your marriage and her journey through chemotherapy. Your acceptance of the reality that a of our lives are finite, your last poem both brought me to tears. Thank you for sharing.
Sunday Feb 24, 2019
wow! So much in 22 min I had to listen twice and the second time around back it up in places to hear the profound messages a third or fourth time. Love it!
Wednesday Feb 20, 2019
Thank you Mike and Tracy! I so enjoyed listening. As one who has never been drawn to poetry, Mike you got me curious! I especially loved what you shared about having your friend describe what he saw when he looked out at the salt ponds and the beautiful way you transformed it in your poem. Wow. To apply this lens to everything in life is to see the beauty in each moment. Thank you for sharing your heart and your gifts!!❤️❤️
Friday Feb 15, 2019
To leave or reply to comments,
please download free Podbean App.