TED Talks Daily "Marigolds," a poem about wonder | Safiya Sinclair
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Jul 9, 2025 
In a captivating discussion, poet Safiya Sinclair shares her impactful poem, "Marigolds: A Letter to Wonder," which beautifully interweaves themes of memory and nature. She reflects on the innocence of childhood and the sacred bonds nurtured in gardens, particularly under a cherry tree. Discussing her writing process, Sinclair highlights the unpredictable nature of inspiration and the profound influence of her mother on her artistic journey. The dialogue offers insights into the duality of creativity, contrasting instinctual poetry with structured memoir writing.
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Memory of Growing Marigolds
- Safiya Sinclair shares a vivid memory of growing marigolds with her mother and siblings, binding nature, memory, and family.
- This memory deeply connects to her poetic expression and sense of wonder about life and ancestors.
The Muse Arrives Unpredictably
- Safiya explains that her creative muse determines when poetry arrives, often unpredictably.
- For the TED poem, the inspiration came like a fever, rushing her to write intensely.
Poetry as Spiritual Wonder
- Poetry serves as a spiritual gateway to wonder and deeper connection for Safiya Sinclair.
- Wonder and poetry both arise in moments when the muse touches, beyond deliberate control.