Owning Everything by Leonard Cohen

Enter the poetic world of Leonard Cohen with this special episode of Words That Burn, dedicated to the transformative power of love and mysticism in Cohen's work. In this episode, we unravel the layers of "Owning Everything," a poem that captures the essence of Cohen's early poetic ventures through its intricate blend of romantic mysticism, spirituality, and the profound connections between the divine and the mundane.This is a very special episode dedicated to my gorgeous partner, Hannah. We both have a special place in our hearts for the works of Leonard Cohen and he was one of our first great shared loves.Leonard Cohen, known for his cryptic and ethereal presence in the music and literary worlds, started his journey as a poet. His collections, including "Let Us Compare Mythologies," "The Spice Box of the Earth," and "Flowers for Hitler," laid the foundation for a career that would blend love, spirituality, and human experience into a unique artistic expression.I explore how Cohen's work, deeply rooted in love's myriad forms—be it lust, romance, or religious transcendentalism—serves as a testament to his belief in the transformative power of love. Through "Owning Everything," Cohen delves into the intimate connection with the beloved, turning the world around him into an extension of this bond, where even the moon and the river carry the weight of his devotion.Join me as I look at Cohen's evolution from a poet to a music icon, his impact on the singer-songwriter movement, and how his exploration of love and mysticism continues to resonate with audiences today. This episode is not just an analysis of Cohen's work but a tribute to the enduring legacy of a literary and musical legend whose themes of love and divine encounter remain as relevant as ever.Whether you're a lifelong fan of Leonard Cohen or new to his work, this episode offers insightful interpretations and personal reflections on the ways love can shape and transform us. Words That Burn invites you to ponder the depths of Cohen's poetry and its reflection on our own experiences with love, loss, and the quest for meaning.The Music In This Week's Episode:'Within Our Nature' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.auFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.