How do we carry grief through the places that shape us, and how do we find a way forward when it feels like everything has changed? In this heartfelt episode of It’s a Poetic Life, I reflect on the quiet weight of loss through the works of Elizabeth Bishop’s One Art and Marie Howe’s What the Living Do, exploring how their poetry offers ways to hold onto what matters and create meaning in uncertain times.

Joining me is the brilliant January Gill O’Neil, whose latest collection, Glitter Road, takes us on a journey through loss, love, and resilience. Together, we delve into how poetry helps us process both the small, everyday losses and the monumental moments that reshape who we are. January shares her stunning poem Begin Again, offering a powerful meditation on how grief transforms us and opens the door to rediscovery and connection.

This episode is about more than grief—it’s about the stories that tether us to life and how poetry becomes a bridge to something new, even in the hardest of times.

We live in a world that pushes us to look flawless, act perfect, and bury what makes us human. In this episode, I invite you to pause and reflect on what it means to embrace our struggles, imperfections, and shared humanity.

Through stories—from sixth-grade insecurities to an unforgettable encounter at the pharmacy—I explore how vulnerability allows us to connect more deeply with ourselves and others. How do we stop pretending we don’t need each other? How do we show up, just as we are, in a world that often demands we be something else?

Join me as we talk about the beauty of aging, the courage of self-acceptance, and the freedom of honoring where we are right now. I’ll also share insights from my own creative process, including reflections on a line from a libretto I wrote during the pandemic: “What if we don’t make it to forever?”

This episode is an invitation to step into the new year with honesty, curiosity, and the belief that showing up fully—flaws and all—is what truly matters.

To continue the conversation and dive deeper into themes of connection and creativity, head over to my Substack, A Poetic Life, at enzothepoet.substack.com. And if this message resonates, share it with someone who might need it, because we’re all in this together.

Listen in, reflect, and let’s move forward—one step, one story, and one poem at a time.

In a post-pandemic world where many of us are striving to reclaim our sense of agency, Episode 4 of It’s a Poetic Life—“Loving Me is Complicated: Crafting the Poetry of Self-Love”—offers a fresh perspective on self-love through the lens of poetry and creativity. Featuring poet Kali Pezzi, this deeply personal conversation explores how shame and guilt intersect with self-care, and how poetry becomes an extension of the self-love journey—a way to nurture, reflect, and heal.

Kali shares how her poetry serves as a tool for self-care and self-expression, offering listeners a glimpse into the profound connection between creativity and self-acceptance. Together, we unpack the contradictions and deeper truths of self-love, reflecting on what it means to write the unwritten lines of our own narratives. This episode is an empowering and soul-nourishing exploration of authenticity, vulnerability, and the art of becoming whole—like the coffee date you didn’t know you needed.

What does happiness look like beyond clichés and fleeting moments? In this episode, we dive into the complex and often elusive nature of happiness, exploring how our experiences, our creative lives, and even social media shape our understanding of joy. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, an aspiring storyteller, or simply someone looking to find more meaning in daily life, we’ll examine how happiness can be found not just outside ourselves but within.

We take a close look at a powerful poem from award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye, reflecting on how happiness might already be present within us, waiting to be embraced. I also share a deeply personal reading of one of my own poems, revealing the intimate details behind its creation and how it reflects the journey toward authentic joy. Together, we’ll explore how joy can be less about seeking and more about allowing, uncovering how we can connect with a deeper sense of fulfillment, both on and off the page. Join us for a journey into the heart of happiness and the creative paths that can help us realize it.

In this episode of It’s a Poetic Life, host Enzo Silon Surin is joined by North Carolina-based writer Shari Tate to explore the intersection of writing, identity, and liberation. They discuss how the creative process allows for personal growth and freedom, and how writers navigate the balance between self-expression and sharing their work. Enzo reflects on his journey as a Haitian immigrant and how writing has been a tool for liberation, leading to a “new kind of free.”

Tune in for a deep dive into how writing helps us navigate life’s constraints and open up new paths to freedom.

In the first episode of It’s a Poetic Life with Enzo the Poet, Enzo Silon Surin (@enzothepoet) introduces the podcast, setting the tone for an introspective journey into the broader essence of living a poetic life. He shares a personal story that highlights his connection to poetry and explains how it has shaped his worldview. Enzo expands on the podcast’s vision, emphasizing that while poetry is central, the conversations will dive deeper into the human experience, exploring diverse voices, creativity, and social justice. Listeners can expect guest interviews with poets, artists, musicians, and activists who embody the principles of poetry in unexpected ways.

Enzo reflects on how poetry extends beyond the page, influencing everyday life, and invites listeners to become part of this poetic community by sharing their own experiences. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a teaser for the next conversation, promising more rich discussions on the meaning and impact of living poetically.