Exploring Boundless Poetry with Caroline Adler Micó: A Journey Beyond Language
Hello everyone,
Welcome to our special Quintessential Poetry blogpost, celebrating National Poetry Month's universal theme of Family and our sub-theme, Poetry Beyond Boundaries. This blogpost is dedicated to French director, teacher, author, and scenarist France DeMarcy, whose contributions to the arts and storytelling resonate far beyond borders.
Family
Family is the theme of National Poetry Month 2025. The universal theme of Family reminds us of the deep connections that tie us together, in all their forms—found and chosen family, birth family, and even family that defies categorization. Our sub-theme, Poetry Beyond Boundaries, amplifies this idea by showing how poetry transcends geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries to create shared human experiences.
Host Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram is thrilled to explore the artistic world of Caroline Adler Micó on the Quintessential Poetry podcast, Caroline, a French multidisciplinary poet who embodies poetry without limits. She admirably transcends language, culture, and personal challenges to foster profound human connection. Her journey spans diverse artistic disciplines—from earth sciences to avant-garde cinema—creating a tapestry of rich and authentic creative exploration. In this intimate interview, Caroline shares her poetic journey and thoughtful insights alongside original poems spoken entirely in French. While translations are provided, this episode offers a rare opportunity to experience poetry as it resonates most powerfully—in the language of its creation. Caroline’s work reminds us that the soul of poetry lies in its authenticity, inviting listeners to explore its profound depths and universal appeal.
A Dialogue with Caroline's Poetic Soul
Caroline begins by reflecting on the essence of poetry, exploring its ability to articulate the inexpressible. For her, poetry dances between spoken language and other forms of expression, akin to musical compositions or visual art.
Her early poetic journey was shaped by her mother’s influence as a kindergarten teacher, immersing her in nursery rhymes and jazz music—a genre that still resonates deeply in her work. One of her standout pieces draws inspiration from jazz performed live on a concert boat in Paris, capturing the rhythms of language through music.
Themes and Influences That Define Caroline’s Work
Caroline’s poetry is as diverse as the world it reflects, delving into themes like family history, fairy tales, and the delicate balance between science and creativity. Their curiosity extends to earth sciences, inspiring experimentation and co-writing within the collective Slam Message Service (SMS)—an artistic collaboration rooted in bridging disciplines and voices.
Cultural Intersection and Personal Vulnerability
Caroline’s poetry is infused with personal vulnerability and strength, shaped by her international perspective and multicultural heritage. While her poetic voice is firmly rooted in French, her work reflects a global spirit through their collaborations with poets from varied backgrounds in online poetic sessions.
Poetry’s Role and Amplifying Marginalized Voices
Caroline takes a thoughtful stance on the role of poets in shaping society, emphasizing authenticity and persistence in writing. She champions poetry as a vehicle for amplifying marginalized voices. From Margaret Atwood to Josephine Baum, she draws inspiration from poets who build memory, resistance, and hope, paving the way for emerging writers.
Looking Ahead: Caroline’s Creative Vision
With passion and determination, Caroline envisions her future projects—including depositing her poetic short films at the France National Library—as opportunities to extend the reach of her artistry. Her creativity, ever-evolving, continues to explore the synergy between language, music, and visual interpretation.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Boundless Essence of Poetry
In Caroline’s words, poetry is an invitation to embrace the infinite possibilities of language and culture. Her journey inspires us to stay curious, proactive, and open to the rich world poetry offers—a timeless medium for connection and transformation.
For those craving more, immerse yourself in the Quintessential Poetry podcast, available on iTunes and Spotify. Join us in celebrating the boundless echoes of poetry, letting its resonance linger across the land.
Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram
Host and Producer
Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram is a retired associate professor of Counselor Education and Supervision, social change activist, acclaimed poet and spoken word artist. His poetry explores themes of power, identity, and oppression. He has traveled widely, giving lectures and workshops on cultural competence, mental health awareness, and the development of empathy through poetry.
In addition to his podcasting work, Dr. Ingram is the Founder and Executive Director of the DC Poetry Project, Inc. Based in Washington, D.C., the DCPP seeks to promote awareness of societal, cultural, educational, and health issues through poetry and performance art. The organization is dedicated to fostering partnerships, strengthening communities, and encouraging volunteer support via poetic and artistic endeavors.
In May 2023, Dr. Ingram was featured in an interview with Heart of Hollywood magazine (https://www.heartofhollywoodmagazine.com/post/exclusive-interview-with-the-host-and-producer-of-quintessential-listening). He has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize in poetry. His eagerly awaited second poetry collection, Metaphorically Screaming" is expected to make a significant impact.
