Poet Cleo Wade discusses the concept of love and its reflection in modern-day poetry. They explore the perception of poetry as an art form, the importance of effective communication, and the role of leaders in connecting with their communities. They also delve into the significance of boundaries, the need for shared love, and the concept of beauty and catastrophe. Wade shares their experience of creating a community through their book tour and vulnerable conversations with black women.
Love is intertwined with a sense of safety and community, according to poet Cleo Wade.
Effective communication and connection are essential for expressing love and understanding.
Deep dives
The Power of Love and Poetry
Cleo Wade, a poet and author, explores the concept of love and its importance in our lives. She emphasizes the significance of self-love, shared love, and community. Wade discusses how poetry has been overlooked in modern culture but has the ability to communicate emotions and stories in a way that resonates with people. She highlights the importance of speaking in a way that others can hear and understand, focusing on effective communication and connection. Wade also shares personal stories and insights related to pain, truth-telling, and resilience, emphasizing the role of community and safety in navigating life's beauty and catastrophes.
Defining Love and Safety
Wade discusses how love and safety are intertwined. She argues that love is not truly present without a sense of safety and community. Wade draws inspiration from writer Bell Hooks, who urged people to define love and recognize its presence or absence. She explores the importance of community in fostering safety and the significance of safety in relationships. Wade also touches on the topic of boundaries, emphasizing that they should not be used to push others away or avoid responsibility. She encourages individuals to take responsibility for their energy and be mindful of others' boundaries.
The Beauty and Catastrophe of Life
Wade reflects on the seeming prevalence of beauty and catastrophe in our modern world. She questions what makes our time different from any other, given that birth, death, war, and magic have existed throughout history. Wade suggests that our perception of beauty and catastrophe may be influenced by the overwhelming nature of current events and a lack of time for processing. She contends that life has always been a blend of beauty and catastrophe, and our mindset and presence in the in-between moments can shape our experiences and resilience.
Leading Chants and Building Community
Wade's passion for building community and fostering a sense of belonging shines through in her work. She shares personal stories of leading cheers during her childhood sports days, where the camaraderie and support of teammates created a sense of safety and fun amidst the challenges of the game. Wade also reflects on her book tours, where she brings friends along and creates a space for vulnerable and loving conversations with audiences. She emphasizes the power of working with friends and the importance of community in pursuing one's passions and creating a sense of home.
We are told from a young age to pursue love—romantic love, self-love, divine love. But how do you actually define love? And once you do, how do you find it?
Cleo Wade is the right person to ask. She's a poet whose latest book is called “Remember Love: Words for Tender Times.” Our conversation about love led down many paths: we talked about appreciating pain, staying present, and the resurgence of poetry.