Episode Title: In a Time of Peace: A Midweek Pause for Peace with Ilya Kaminsky
Episode Description: In this week's Midweek Pause for Peace, Laura Davis shares "In a Time of Peace" by poet Ilya Kaminsky. Laura pairs the poem with peaceful imagery in her signature style, exploring how ordinary daily routines can continue undisturbed alongside witnessed violence. This episode invites listeners to sit with an uncomfortable question about distance, privilege, and what it means to look away.
What Laura Covers in This Episode:
· Laura introduces Ilya Kaminsky and the themes at the heart of "In a Time of Peace"
· Laura reflects on the poem's juxtaposition of domestic routine against witnessed violence
· Laura explores the idea of "peace" as something unevenly distributed and often built on distance
· Laura offers listeners a grounded, imagery-paired pause for the heart and nervous system
About Host Laura Davis
Laura Davis is an acclaimed author and writing teacher with over 35 years of experience helping writers craft powerful, authentic stories. She is the author of seven books, including the award-winning memoir "The Burning Light of Two Stars," which won the BookLife Prize in 2021. Laura is also co-author of the groundbreaking book "The Courage to Heal."
Through her Midweek Pause for Peace podcast series, Laura pairs carefully selected poetry with peaceful imagery to support listeners' emotional wellness and nervous system regulation.
Each week, host Laura Davis pairs beautiful imagery with meaningful poetry, offering listeners a respite for both heart and nervous system. These midweek pauses provide essential moments of reflection, healing, and inspiration in our complex world.
Perfect for: Anyone seeking Laura Davis' signature blend of poetry and peace, those managing stress and anxiety, and listeners who appreciate thoughtful, heart-centered content.
About the Featured Poet
Ilya Kaminsky is a poet, critic, and translator born in Odessa, who lost most of his hearing at age four and emigrated with his family to the U.S. as refugees in 1993. He's best known for "Dancing in Odessa" (2004) and "Deaf Republic" (2019), a National Book Award finalist; the BBC named him one of "12 artists who changed the world" in 2019. He now teaches at Princeton and serves as a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets.
Learn more about Ilya Kaminsky and his work at: https://www.ilyakaminsky.com
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