Ornithologist/poet J. Drew Lanham shares heart-stirring poetry on joy as self-imposed justice. Delve into themes of resilience, nature's embrace, and transformative power of joy. Explore the depths of joy as inner strength and justice in the face of adversity.
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insights INSIGHT
Joy's Definition
Joy is defined as freedom, like a bird singing beyond prison bars.
It's also the truth, hammered straight, and the return of sacred lands.
insights INSIGHT
Joy's Manifestations
Joy is a sunrise on a new shore, untouched by bombs and full of birdsong.
It's a journey of wonder, tears of gratitude, and a silent spring.
insights INSIGHT
Joy's Embodiment
Joy is love without distance, the final sparrow's song, and the return of a wandering bird.
It's healing and hope, soaring on Langston Hughes's words.
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We are overjoyed to share this heart-stirring performance with you, which transpired when we invited the ornithologist/poet/former On Being guest J. Drew Lanham to offer some poetry at a live On Being event in January 2024. We could not have imagined the lightning in a bottle that unfolded — a live adaptation of the title poem that appears in Drew's wonderful new book, Joy is the Justice We Give Ourselves.
Be sure to listen to his full 2022 conversation (accompanied by poetry and birdsong) with Krista — “Pathfinding Through the Improbable.” And find our full collection of poetry films and readings from two decades of the show, at Experience Poetry.
On Being with Krista Tippett