TED Talks Daily (#3) Elise’s Top Ten: If I should have a daughter ... | Sarah Kay
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Sep 20, 2025 
Sarah Kay, a spoken-word poet and educator, shares her journey from a teenager at the Bowery Poetry Club to a passionate teacher. She discusses the transformative power of poetry, illustrating it with her acclaimed poem 'If I Should Have a Daughter.' Kay emphasizes using lists to unlock self-expression in students, which leads to powerful storytelling. Her performances of 'B' and 'Hiroshima' captivate listeners, revealing the depth of her artistry and dedication to inspiring the next generation.
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Imagined Parenting In 'Point B'
- Sarah Kay imagines parenting through a poem called "If I Should Have a Daughter," using vivid metaphors like Point B and solar systems on hands.
- Her performance blends tenderness and tough truths about heartbreak and resilience.
Use Writing To Understand Things
- Sarah Kay writes poems to figure things out and advises using creative work as a way to understand confusion.
- She recommends producing work even if it doesn't solve everything because it yields insight or new art.
First Validation At The Bowery
- At 14 Sarah discovered spoken word at the Bowery Poetry Club and was welcomed despite her age.
- A giant girl in a hoodie validated her and sparked Sarah's life-long commitment to performance poetry.