4. “If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.”

Jiggle It A Little It'll Open

Aaron and Ira unspool some tiny corner of the cultural response to COVID during the early days, and uncover some differences between American and European discourses. The changes and deprivations of the COVID era trigger a more expansive reflection on anticipating loss and absence when approaching great change, and the inner continuity that can sometimes be found on the other side. Evaluating the episode while still making it (never a good idea!), Aaron yearns for the energy of the morning drive time DJs of his youth, and he and Ira both agree that something (though probably not this podcast episode) should be titled Half Jimmy Carter, Half Jimmy Stewart: The Last Three Generations of American Thought. The actual title of this episode is a quote from Leonard Cohen. The episode concludes with a recitation of the poem that is at least partially responsible for Aaron and Ira’s friendship.
I shaved yesterday,
but I'm still a man.
I have a smooth upper lip now.
I held the witch hazel in my hand
ready to apply topically
when Jesus spoke to me.
He said, "Aaron, son of Sheldon, brother of Jason,
do not use the tainted astringent."
I promptly checked the expiration date.
It had expired six months before.
Whew! That was close.
— Aaron Kahn (circa 1992)
Music:
“Open Up Your Heart” by Roger Miller (a song which features the show’s namesake lyric). arranged and recorded especially for JIALIO by 80 Foots, Chicago’s only End Times Vocal Trio.

“Open Up Your Heart” by Buddy Killen + Roger Miller
Arranged and recorded by: 80 Foots (https://www.facebook.com/80FPM)