Navigating Complexity: Beauty and Tragedy

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This chapter delves into the intertwining of celebration and mourning in the speaker's life as their poem 'Good Bones' receives immense recognition during times of tragedy. It explores the delicate balance between acknowledging joy and confronting darkness within human existence, referencing personal experiences and societal reactions to crises. The conversation emphasizes the cathartic power of writing in processing emotions and finding clarity amidst life's complexities.

Poet Maggie Smith candidly unpacks the lightning strike success of her viral 2016 poem "Good Bones" and how it strained her marriage, ultimately unraveling - an upheaval she unflinchingly explores in her vulnerable memoir You Could Make This Place Beautiful.

Smith discusses metabolizing life's "unanswerable mysteries" through writing, going viral as an introvert, modeling authenticity for her kids, and our struggle to embrace life's "andness." With radiant honesty, she pursues the uncomplicated truth of simply being herself through stillness and creativity.

This profound dialogue is a masterclass on upheaval, art, and what it means to truly live a good life from one of today's vital literary voices.

You can find Maggie at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Liz Gilbert about writing yourself letters from love.

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