John Updike wrote about truth as he imagined the idea and engaged with it in his own life. He believed "God already knows everything and cannot be shocked...only truth, however harsh, is holy." The notion of truth fueled his look into the complexities of life, sometimes beautiful, often messy, and always filled with multitudes. 

Updike saw poetry "as the exercise of language at its highest pitch." Although he is defined by his novels and short stories, I would argue that to understand Updike as a writer and person, an examination of his poetry is essential. The poetry reveals the person, frequently deeply biographical, and always drawing from his immediate world and ideas that he had developed over a lifetime. 

The episode is begun and ended with snippets of "Swing Of The Hip," performed and written by Evan Palazzo of The Hot Sardines. If you love great music, check out Evan and singer Elizabeth Bougerol on social media, YouTube, or on the web. The Hot Sardines are a fantastic jazz band that every music lover will enjoy!