Tricycle Talks The Work of Not Knowing with Marie Howe
Jul 23, 2025
Marie Howe, the poet in residence at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine and a recipient of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for her collection, discusses the profound role of not knowing in poetry. She shares how writing acts as a form of prayer, helping us confront life's difficulties and embrace uncertainty. Howe reflects on her personal journey through loss, spirituality, and the transformative nature of acceptance. With insights influenced by Christian mystic Meister Eckhart, her anecdotes illuminate the deep connections between poetry, nature, and the divine.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Pulitzer Surprise Anecdote
- Marie Howe was completely surprised to learn she won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.
- The award notification was lost in her publisher's spam, so even she didn't know initially.
The Role of Not Knowing
- Poetry involves embracing "not knowing" as a vital creative space.
- This openness lets something ineffable transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Advice on Attention in Poetry
- Practice paying attention to the physical world, noting details without converting them to metaphors.
- Allow scenes to resonate naturally with deeper meanings without forcing interpretation.
