In this special bonus episode of Beyond the Verse, hosts Joe and Maiya take on Taylor Swift's incredible legacy, delving into an insightful conversation with Kristie Frederick-Daugherty - editor of the poetry anthology 'Invisible Strings: 113 Poets Respond to the Songs of Taylor Swift' - to discuss poetry, music, and the 'invisible strings' that connect it all.

Frederick-Daugherty discusses her long-standing admiration for Taylor Swift and the conception of the anthology, which allows contemporary poets to engage deeply with the pop superstar's lyricism. Through this unique collection, Frederick-Daugherty successfully brings together both emerging poets and globally renowned voices, responding to Swift’s themes like heartbreak, self-sabotage, and reinvention.

The three discuss and explore the educational value of Swift's work, emphasizing her role in encouraging analytical thinking among her fanbase, particularly the younger generation, by integrating close reading of lyrics into a mainstream context. The episode also includes readings from the anthology, such as Frederick-Daugherty's own poem 'No Invitations,' which interweaves themes of love and self-discovery, alongside A.E. Stalling's 'The Gift of Apollo,' Ilya Kaminsky's 'On Flight', Maggie Smith's 'Pull' and Oluwaseun Olayiwola's 'Entanglement'.

Throughout the discussion, the relevance and impact of the classical world in the context of modern poetry are explored, with references to figures like Cassandra and themes such as prophecy and public scrutiny. The conversation also touches on the broader cultural and community implications of Swift's Eras Tour, highlighting the collective experience of shared language in a live setting.

As the episode concludes, listeners are encouraged to explore further readings and discover the hidden layers of meaning within both the anthology and Taylor Swift's discography, fostering a greater appreciation for the interplay between poetry and popular music.

To learn more about Kristie Frederick-Daughtery, check out her website, the 113 Poets Foundation, which aims to support poets and small literary presses, and her recently published collection with Ballatyne Books/Penguin Random House.

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

Taylor Swift & Contemporary Poetry: Talking 'Invisible Strings' with Kristie Frederick-Daugherty

Beyond the Verse