Maggie Smith, a poet and author renowned for her viral poem "Good Bones," shares her insights on navigating complex emotions and embracing ambiguity in life. She discusses the delicate balance between hope and hardship, reflecting on how poetry can encapsulate human experiences. Maggie highlights the importance of asking questions without clear answers and accepting emotional ambivalence. The conversation also covers the transformative power of writing and the significance of recognizing both positive and negative feelings for personal growth.
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Viral Poem
Maggie Smith's poem "Good Bones" unexpectedly went viral in 2016.
It resonated with people because it acknowledges difficulty while offering grounded hope.
insights INSIGHT
Metaphorical Math
The darkness in "Good Bones" is metaphorical, not statistical.
It represents the precarious balance of good and bad, a feeling that defies the often positive reality.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Shielding Children
Maggie Smith wrote "Good Bones" when her children were young, shielding them from harsh realities.
Now, with her daughter in high school, her focus has shifted to helping them navigate the news.
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Good Bones is a poetry collection that delves into the complexities of the world, balancing the harsh realities with a hopeful vision for its potential beauty. Maggie Smith writes from the perspective of a mother, protecting her children from the world's ugliness while emphasizing the possibility of making the world a better place. The poems use vivid imagery and lyric language to explore themes of compassion, empathy, and honesty, offering a hopeful outlook on the future[2][3].
Keep Moving
Maggie Smith
In 'Keep Moving,' Maggie Smith shares her personal journey through divorce, single parenthood, postpartum depression, anxiety, loss, and grief. The book is a compilation of daily affirmations and essays that she initially posted on social media to help herself and others move forward through difficult times. It emphasizes the importance of kindness, hope, and transformation, encouraging readers to lean into change rather than avoiding it. The book is praised for its profound insights, empathy, and honesty, making it a valuable resource for anyone struggling with grief, change, and uncertainty.
Goldenrod
Maggie Smith
Goldenrod is a collection of poems by Maggie Smith exploring themes of parenthood, love, memory, and solitude. The poems delve into the complexities of human experience, offering reflections on joy, loss, and the passage of time. Smith's lyrical style and poignant imagery create a powerful and moving reading experience. The collection invites readers to contemplate the present moment and the importance of human connection. Goldenrod is a testament to Smith's ability to capture the essence of life's multifaceted nature.
You Can Make This Place Beautiful
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Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith's "You Can Make This Place Beautiful" offers a poignant exploration of divorce and its aftermath. The book delves into the emotional complexities of separation, examining themes of grief, loss, and self-discovery. Smith's honest and vulnerable portrayal of her experiences resonates with readers who have faced similar challenges. The book explores the process of healing and rebuilding one's life after a significant loss. It offers a message of hope and resilience, reminding readers that even in the midst of pain, beauty and growth are possible.
Song
Brigit Pegeen Kelly
Brigit Pegeen Kelly's 'Song' is a collection of poems that delve into the human experience, exploring themes of cruelty, innocence, and the enduring power of memory. The title poem, 'Song,' tells a haunting narrative of a severed goat's head that continues to sing, juxtaposing brutality with innocence and highlighting the profound impact of past actions. Kelly's poetry is characterized by its use of vivid imagery and supernatural elements to convey complex emotions and ideas.
Poet and author Maggie Smith isn’t sure where she falls on the spectrum from optimism to pessimism. But her viral poem “Good Bones” and her bestselling books have inspired countless readers with profound insights on the messiness of being human. In this episode, Maggie and Adam discuss strategies for handling complex emotions, sustaining hope while acknowledging reality, and accepting ambiguity in life and art. They explore the value of asking questions that may not have a satisfying answer — or any answer at all. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
Worklife with Adam Grant 
