Author, What Shines
This week on Ira's Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg sits down with Sydney Lea, an acclaimed poet and author of What Shines. In this insightful and poetic episode, Sydney takes listeners through his journey into the world of poetry, reflecting on the moments that drew him to the craft despite being a “late bloomer.” He shares how a teaching experience rekindled his passion for writing, the unique way he absorbs stories from the “rough folks” he meets, and how he translates those experiences into his work. Lea also touches on what poetry means to him, his writing process, and why poetry can help keep ideas alive in an ever-changing world.
From his Pulitzer Prize-nominated work to his tenure as Vermont’s Poet Laureate, Sydney Lea is a literary force. His 23 books span various genres, with poetry being his central focus. In this episode, he explores everything from the connection between language and emotion to the virtues of humility and the joy of uncovering unexpected connections in writing. Sydney offers an insightful discussion about old age, guarded optimism, and why political poetry lacks an element of discovery. He also reflects on Robert Frost, explaining why Frost’s poetry resonates with readers of all backgrounds.
The Journey into Poetry: Finding Inspiration Later in Life
Although Sydney Lea came to poetry later in life, his body of work reflects a depth and wisdom that comes from years of experience. In the podcast, Sydney explains that teaching a class reawakened his curiosity for writing, sparking a love for the written word that has remained strong ever since. As a self-proclaimed late bloomer, he shares how this timing has impacted his work, giving him the ability to observe the world around him with a unique perspective.
Sydney’s writing is inspired by the “rough folks” he has encountered throughout his life. Whether it's stories of people from rural communities or blue-collar workers, Sydney channels these experiences into his poetry. He sees poetry as a way to capture the essence of these stories in a deeply human way, blending the everyday with the profound.
Defining Poetry: More Than Just Language
For Sydney Lea, poetry is more than just a craft—it’s a way to make connections between ideas, emotions, and language. In this episode, he emphasizes the delight he finds in discovering connections that might not be immediately obvious, a hallmark of his poetic process. He describes how poetry, at its core, is a way to keep ideas alive, offering readers an experience that goes beyond simple storytelling.
Sydney also speaks to the joy of writing for the language itself. While he appreciates readers finding deeper meanings in his poems, he is just as content knowing they are enjoying the rhythm and texture of the words on the page. In his view, poetry should be experienced on multiple levels—intellectually and emotionally.
A Legacy of Poetry: Lea’s Extensive Collection
Sydney Lea’s poetry spans decades, with notable collections that have received critical acclaim. His works include Searching the Drowned Man (1980), The Floating Candles (1982), No Sign (1987), Prayer for the Little City (1991), and Pursuit of a Wound (2000), the latter of which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in Poetry. In the episode, he touches on the themes that have been central to his work, including human connection, the passage of time, and the search for meaning in everyday experiences.
Some of Sydney's most celebrated collections include Ghost Pain (2005), Young of the Year (2011), I Was Thinking of Beauty (2013), and No Doubt the Nameless (2016). His most recent collection, Here (2019), is a reflection on aging and the inevitability of change, capturing both the pain and beauty of growing older. His seminal work, To the Bone: New and Selected Poems, was co-winner of the 1998 Poets’ Prize and remains a touchstone in his literary career.
A Multi-Faceted Career: From Poetry to Prose
In addition to his poetry collections, Sydney Lea is the author of the novel A Place in Mind (1989), which showcases his ability to craft compelling narratives in prose. His work extends beyond traditional poetry and fiction, as seen in his collaborations with other poets and artists. One such collaboration is The Exquisite Triumph of Wormboy: An Illustrated Epic (2020), a book that fuses poetry and comics, created in partnership with James Kochalka, the first Cartoonist Laureate of Vermont.
Lea also teamed up with fellow poet Fleda Brown to produce Growing Old in Poetry (2018), a reflective collection of essays about the challenges and joys of aging as poets. Sydney’s ability to transcend genres and create interdisciplinary works has made him a respected voice in both the literary and academic worlds.
Reflections on Age and Optimism
One of the recurring themes in this podcast episode is Sydney Lea's perspective on aging. While many of his works explore the complexities of growing older, he remains hopeful, describing his outlook as "guarded optimism." In the episode, Sydney delves into how old age has shaped his poetry, making it more introspective, yet still deeply connected to the world around him.
He also talks about the virtues of humility, a theme that resonates throughout his work. In his view, being humble allows writers—and people in general—to stay open to new experiences and ideas, even as they grow older. This humility, coupled with a sense of optimism, keeps Sydney grounded in his writing and his life.
Political Poetry: Lacking Discovery
In a world where many writers turn to political themes, Sydney Lea offers a contrarian view. He explains why he believes that political poetry often lacks the element of discovery that makes poetry meaningful. In his view, the best poetry offers readers something new—a different way of seeing the world. Political poems, by contrast, tend to preach or tell readers what to think, which can limit the depth and complexity of the work. Sydney’s own poetry tends to shy away from direct political commentary, focusing instead on universal themes like nature, family, and personal growth.
Robert Frost: A Lasting Influence
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Robert Frost, one of Sydney Lea's greatest influences. Frost’s ability to weave profound ideas into simple, accessible language is something Sydney admires deeply. He explains how Robert Frost’s poetry can be appreciated on many levels, offering something for every reader, regardless of their background or experience with poetry. In many ways, Sydney strives to achieve the same in his own work, crafting poems that speak to both the head and the heart.
Awards and Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Sydney Lea has been recognized with numerous accolades. He served as Vermont’s Poet Laureate from 2011 to 2015, during which time he composed Seen From All Sides: Lyric and Everyday Life (2021), a collection of newspaper columns reflecting on poetry and life in Vermont. He has also been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry, a recipient of fellowships from the Rockefeller Foundation, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the prestigious Fulbright Award.
In 2021, Sydney was honored with the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts from the Vermont Arts Council, recognizing his contributions to the cultural life of the state.
Sydney Lea Podcast Episode Conclusion
In conclusion, Sydney Lea's episode on Ira's Everything Bagel Podcast offers a deep dive into the mind of a poet whose work transcends time and place. From his reflections on aging to his guarded optimism, Sydney's insights are a reminder of the power of language and the connections that poetry can create. His reflections on Robert Frost, his distaste for political poetry, and his views on humility showcase his unique perspective on both life and writing. Whether you're a longtime poetry lover or a newcomer, this episode leaves you with a renewed appreciation for the art form and the man behind the words.
Connect with Sydney Lea
For more information on Sydney Lea, his works, and his latest updates, visit his official website and follow him on social media:
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FAQs About Sydney Lea
Who is Sydney Lea?
Sydney Lea is an American poet, essayist, and literary critic. He served as the Poet Laureate of Vermont from 2011 to 2015. Known for his lyrical and narrative poetry, Lea has authored several collections of poetry, essays, and works of criticism that often reflect on nature, rural life, and personal experiences.
What are some other Sydney Lea poems?
Some notable poems by Sydney Lea include The Feud, Ghost Pain, Return of the Native, and Vermont. His poetry frequently explores themes of nature, memory, human relationships, and rural American life.
How long has Sydney Lea been writing poetry?
Sydney Lea has been writing poetry for over five decades. His first published collection, Searching the Drowned Man, was released in 1980. Since then, he has published numerous books and established himself as a prominent voice in contemporary American poetry.
Is Sydney Lea married?
Yes, Sydney Lea is married. He has occasionally written about his family and personal experiences, including his relationships, in his essays and poetry. However, specific details about his wife and family life are kept private, with much of his work focusing more on universal themes.
What are the most well-known Sydney Lea poems?
Some of Sydney Lea's most well-known poems include The Feud, The Floating Candles, The Lame Boy's Lament, and The Feathery Dust. His work is often celebrated for its rich imagery, depth of emotion, and meditative reflections on life, nature, and history.
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Sydney Lea Podcast Epsiode Full Transcript
Ira Sternberg: Welcome to Ira's Everything Bagel, where I talk with intriguing people about everything — their passions, pursuits, and points of view. Poetry is language in its most distilled and most powerful form — that was Rita Dove who wrote that. I thought a poem would be a good way to introduce my guest, Sydney Lea, who was named Vermont's Poet Laureate. He’s the author of 23 books, and his current book What Shines is published by Four Way Books and is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all the usual places. The book dives into the blessings and challenges of aging, full of reminiscence and hope. Clearly, Sydney writes from an older, wiser point of view and answers the question many of his contemporaries ask in this late hour: "What lights do we have to see by?" For everything about Sydney, go to sydneylea.net, and that’s Lea, pronounced Lee — sydneylea.net. Sydney, welcome to the show.
Sydney Lea: Thank you, Ira. I'm pleased to be here.
Ira: Well, I have a real basic question to start it off, and that is: what drew you to poetry in the beginning?
Sydney: Well, that’s an interesting question because I was really — despite the fact that I’ve been fairly voluminous in my output — a pretty late bloomer as a poet. I’ll give you the digest version. I was teaching at Dartmouth College. It had no creative writing courses — because I’m 81, and I’d never even heard of such a thing — and the chair of the department, a great friend of mine, said, “You haven’t finished your PhD dissertation,” and I said, “Well, I know.” And he said, “Well, you know, you’ve got to do it within the next couple of years, or there’s no chance of your staying here — you’ll have to go someplace else.” I said, “I’ve been wrestling with it, I’ll get it done, I hope.” And he said, “I’ve got a solution for you, or at least something that will help you. The kids are clamoring for this writing course, whatever that may be, and we’re going to give it to them. They can write whatever they want — poetry, drama, fiction — whatever, and we’ll let you teach it.”
I said, “Me? Why on earth would it be me?” And he said, “Well, it’s not a real course, you know. It’ll save you preparation time. Just go in there, read what they say, pat them on the head, and then turn your attention to getting this job done.”
So when I started to teach that class — using the term very loosely — I became re-intrigued. I had done some writing in college, almost exclusively prose, but only for myself. There was nobody really to show it to. And then I stopped once I followed the doctoral program. I just started to teach and thought that writing as a career was something that happened to other people, not to me.
But as I worked with my students, who were struggling to put the inexpressible into expression, I became more intrigued. I’ve had a cabin in a very wild part of Maine, which has been in my family for four generations now. I first went there as a toddler and have been back ever since. And over time, I met men and women who had lived rough lives before power tools arrived. They worked like crazy, made their own entertainment, and became terrific raconteurs. Some of them were really good storytellers, and I absorbed those stories in lumber camps, kitchens, boats — wherever I happened to be with these old folks. I still hear their voices to this day.
So when I started writing, I thought I’d like to capture those voices somehow, but I didn’t want to write in dialect, because I feared it would sound condescending. So I decided early on that maybe if I wrote stories like theirs but did it in poetry, I might capture some of the flavor of their language. That’s how I became a narrative poet.
Ira: I love that story. But I want to delve into another aspect. I quoted earlier Rita Dove, and I also want to quote Voltaire, who said, "One merit of poetry few persons will deny: it says more and in fewer words than prose." When you started working in poetry, maybe we should start by defining what poetry is from your point of view. What is it?
Sydney: Well, that’s a good question because poetry has evolved so much since the modern poets — Eliot, Pound, Stevens, Frost, and so on. I like the definition from a friend of mine, John Haldane, who said, "A poem in the 21st century is that unit of language which the author chooses to call a poem." There are so many forms now — traditional sonnets, prose poems, computer-generated poetry, and now with AI, who knows? It's hard to pin it down.
Ira: But Sydney, you were Vermont’s Poet Laureate. So you’ve got to have some official definition of poetry!
Sydney: (Laughs) I’ll try. For me, poetry is a way of finding connections that wouldn’t be obvious at first glance. I never know where I’m going when I start a poem. If I do, the poem probably won’t be very good. The act of writing reveals connections, and poetry can hold a variety of emotions and ideas — sometimes contradictory ones — all at once. I think of Frost’s The Road Not Taken. Everyone takes that as a celebration of good old Yankee individualism, but they miss lines like "both that morning equally lay." The poem invites complexity and multiple interpretations without being a muddle.
Ira: What do you hope readers take away from your poetry?
Sydney: I want them to enjoy the language first and foremost. Beyond that, I’m not necessarily trying to influence them in any particular way. I’m more concerned with being true to the experience, and from there, it’s up to the reader.
Ira: So you're not necessarily looking to provide insight with your poetry?
Sydney: Insight? Perhaps, in being true to what I experience, some insight emerges, yes. But I don’t set out with that as my goal. I’ve found in my latest book, What Shines, that I’m reflecting a lot on aging. I didn't realize how much of it was about comparing how I saw things at earlier points in life to how I see them now.
Ira: Are some of the poems in What Shines melancholic?
Sydney: There’s definitely some melancholy, yes. But I try to balance it. I’ve lived a blessed life — I have a loving wife, wonderful children, and grandchildren. I’m financially secure and in good health, but life brings its share of losses. I think a lot about those I’ve lost, like my dearest friend, and that pain finds its way into the poems.
Ira: But do you see poetry as a way to celebrate life, too? To embrace joy?
Sydney: Absolutely. My poems have both — melancholy and joy. Life is full of both, and I try to convey that in the work.
Ira: So, before I let you go, do you think about your poetry living on after you? Do you want your work to be remembered, like Frost’s?
Sydney: (Laughs) What poet wouldn’t want that? But for me to talk about immortality for my work would contradict what I said earlier about humility. So I’ll just say that if people read my poems, and they resonate with them, then I’m happy.
Ira: That’s a great way to leave it. My guest has been Sydney Lea, author of What Shines, published by Four Way Books. It’s available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all the usual places. For everything about Sydney, go to sydneylea.net — and that’s Lea, pronounced Lee. Sydney, thanks for being on the show.
Sydney: Thank you, Ira. You’re a great host.
Ira: And join us every Thursday for a new schmear on Ira’s Everything Bagel.
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