The New Yorker: Poetry
Toi Derricotte Reads Tracy K. Smith
Mar 17, 2021
Toi Derricotte, poet and co-founder of Cave Canem, discusses Tracy K. Smith's poem and her own work, touching on themes of identity, resilience, and historical burdens carried by black bodies. The conversation explores the power of poetry in conveying vast histories, shared imagery, and the significance of using metaphors to enhance narratives.
36:06
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Quick takeaways
- Tracy K. Smith's poem explores the complexities of identity and history through powerful imagery and dual meanings in words.
- Toi Derricotte's poem delves into personal and ancestral narratives, highlighting themes of loss, beauty, and intergenerational impact.
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Interpreting Tracy K. Smith's Poem
Toy Derracott reflects on Tracy K. Smith's poem We Feel Now, A Largeness Coming On, highlighting the powerful imagery and transformation within the verses. The concept of a 'dictionary of shame' resonates deeply as the poem navigates the complexities of identity and history, drawing attention to the dual meanings embedded in words like 'worn, born, carried, never spent.' Smith's authoritative yet intimate voice effectively conveys the weight of generational struggles and the resilience found in confronting profound adversities.
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