Episode Title
Midweek Pause for Peace: "Let Them Not Say" by Jane Hirshfield
Episode Description
Welcome to another episode of Midweek Pause for Peace with Laura Davis. In this weekly series, Laura pairs stunning images from nature with carefully chosen poetry to offer listeners a moment of reflection and restoration for both heart and nervous system.
This week, Laura features the profound and urgent poem "Let Them Not Say" by award-winning poet Jane Hirshfield. This powerful piece explores themes of witnessing, collective responsibility, and the courage required to face difficult truths rather than turning away.
Featured Poem
"Let Them Not Say" by Jane HirshfieldFrom the collection "Ledger: Poems" (2020)
Key Themes Explored
The importance of bearing witness to difficult realities
Overcoming the impulse to look away from pain and suffering
Collective responsibility and shared experience
The tension between beauty and destruction
Finding light and warmth even in challenging circumstances
About the Poet
Jane Hirshfield is a celebrated American poet, essayist, and translator with an impressive literary career spanning decades. Her accolades include:
Author of ten poetry collections, including the National Book Award-longlisted "The Beauty" (2015)
Finalist for the PEN USA Poetry Award for "Come, Thief" (2011)
National Book Critics Award finalist for "Given Sugar, Given Salt" (2001)
Author of influential essay collections including "Nine Gates: Entering the Mind of Poetry" and "Ten Windows: How Great Poems Transform the World"
Translator and editor of significant works featuring historical poets, including "The Ink Dark Moon" and "The Heart of Haiku"
Episode Highlights
Laura's reflection on why this poem resonates in our current moment
The power of poetry to help process difficult emotions and experiences
How nature imagery can provide grounding during challenging times
The role of witness and testimony in creating meaning from struggle
About Midweek Pause for Peace
Midweek Pause for Peace is Laura Davis's regular series designed to provide listeners with a moment of calm and reflection in the middle of busy weeks. Each episode combines the healing power of nature imagery with carefully selected poetry, creating space for both emotional processing and nervous system regulation.
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