POETICS Podcast: Episode 22 - "Don Orfeo," by Ron Searls, hosted by Ben Rockwood

The epic poem,"Don Orfeo," by Ron Searls, opens with a sweeping geological and historical preface that establishes the ancient foundation of Florida before introducing us to Don Orfeo, a Spanish soldier exiled to St. Augustine in 1684. Carrying only his ten-stringed guitar, he meets Isabella, a young indigenous woman conscripted to work on the fort's construction. Their love story unfolds through music - his Spanish guitar and her native flute creating harmonious duets that bridge their cultural divide. They marry and build a life together until the narrative takes an ominous turn when Isabella encounters threatening tattooed Indians while gathering herbs, setting up what promises to be the tragic turn typical of the Orpheus myth. Get full access to Bainbridge Island Press at bainbridgeislandpress.substack.com/subscribe