Poetry Unbound
Layli Long Soldier — WHEREAS my eyes land on the shoreline
Nov 27, 2020
Layli Long Soldier, an acclaimed poet and recipient of the Lannan Fellowship, discusses her impactful work stemming from a U.S. Congress resolution on Native histories. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief and trauma through poetry. The conversation also touches on the significance of authenticity, especially in emotional expressions within families. Observing her child's journey highlights the power of vulnerability, illustrating how words can bridge the gap between internal struggles and external acknowledgment.
17:03
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Quick takeaways
- Layli Long Soldier emphasizes the importance of authentic emotional expression, advocating for vulnerability rather than the concealment of pain.
- The critique of the U.S. government's formal apology highlights the need for genuine engagement with Native experiences and historical trauma.
Deep dives
The Burden of Truth in Poetry
Poetry serves as a powerful medium for expressing deep truths, particularly those tied to personal and collective pain. The poet reflects on the necessity of confronting uncomfortable realities rather than resorting to shallow comforts, encouraging vulnerability in the face of suffering. This sentiment is illustrated through a poignant personal anecdote involving her daughter, who, after a fall, attempts to mask her pain with a smile, reflecting a learned behavior of hiding genuine emotions. The poem asserts that true authenticity in expressing feelings, whether through lament or joy, is crucial for healing and understanding one's history.
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