Reading Michael Jackson

In this 7th episode of "Reading Michael Jackson" we will be reading and discussing the piece "But the Heart Said No." This essay, or perhaps prose poem, is a great example of Michael's humanitarian focus, as well as his belief in the inner wisdom and hopefulness that children possess, which could inspire all of us. In this piece, Michael explores the justification of homelessness, climate change,...

On the surface, "When Babies Smile" may seem like a simple poem, but it is ripe for discussion and dissection. How much of this poem was literal and how much was symbolic? What can we take from this piece and apply to our own lives? Tune in for a deep dive and discussion in this 6th episode of "Reading Michael Jackson."

In this short essay "Dance of Life," Michael interacts with the moon. Driven to return to her and dance in her presence, he gets lost in his own transcendence. In this episode, we read and discuss "Dance of Life" and the many symbolic meanings of the moon and how we might interpret Michael's relationship to it.

"Wings Without Me" is the first "reflection" we are discussing from "Dancing the Dream." It is the first piece with a narrative voice and "characters" that interplay in the narrator's attempt to find meaning in his own limitations of flight. It is a deep and moving piece that offers insight into Michael's philosophies about life, as well as his struggles to understand it.

In this first episode of "Reading Michael Jackson," I discuss how I came to be a fan of Michael Jackson, why I'm starting this podcast, as well as read and discuss the title piece from "Dancing the Dream."

In this second episode of Reading Michael Jackson we focus on the poem "Planet Earth," reading it and discussing elements of Michael's perspectives on the planet and (possible?) existential angst. As referenced in the episode, if you have not listened to Michael's own reading of "Planet Earth" check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCxy8PmljSE You may also be interested in Carl Sagan's...

Michael's poem "Magical Child" can be read in a multitude of ways. But what does it say about his view of his own childhood, or the many ways he was said to have maintained a "childlike" aura throughout his life? Tune in to hear a reading and discussion of this beautiful piece.