Maggie Burton interviewed by Pádraig Ó Tuama

"I try to use as many Newfoundland sayings and turns of phrase that I can that evoke a sense of place through the voice. But I also try to be direct and accessible. If someone is not really into poetry, I want them to be able to pick up my book and read a poem and understand it, and make sense of it right away."

We hope you enjoy this illuminating conversation between Newfoundland poet Maggie Burton—winner of the 2024 Canadian First Book Prize—and Irish poet Pádraig Ó Tuama, host of the popular On Being podcast, Poetry Unbound.

Maggie Burton is a multi-genre writer, professional violinist, and municipal politician, serving her second term as Councillor at Large for the City of St. John’s. Burton holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Memorial University and has spent much of her career working with the Suzuki Talent Education Program and the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. She was awarded the Riddle Fence poetry prize prior to releasing her debut book of poetry, Chores (Breakwater Books, 2023), which was shortlisted for the Gerald Lampert Memorial Award and won the 2024 Griffin Canadian First Book Prize. Discover more about Maggie: https://griffinpoetryprize.com/poet/m...

Pádraig Ó Tuama is the host of On Being’s Poetry Unbound and the author of Poetry Unbound; 50 Poems to Open Your World. He is a poet with interests in language, violence, power and religion. Feed the Beast is his most recent collection with Kitchen Hymns, a volume of original poems, and an essayed poetry anthology 40 Poems on Being with Each Other; A Poetry Unbound Collection both forthcoming early 2025. Discover more about Pádraig Ó Tuama: https://www.padraigotuama.com/

Photo credits:
Maggie Burton - Kelly Hines
Pádraig Ó Tuama - David Pugh