KQED's Forum Poet Kevin Young Explores History and Loss in His Newest Collection, "Night Watch"
Sep 12, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Kevin Young, poetry editor at The New Yorker and author of "Night Watch," shares his insights into the power of poetry as a means of exploring history and personal loss. He delves into the poignant story of conjoined twins born into slavery, reflecting on how history shapes identity. Young also recites evocative poems addressing grief and memory, emphasizing poetry's role in healing. He explores the significance of diverse voices in literature and the interplay between music and poetic expression.
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Family Storytelling Shaped His Calling
- Kevin Young traces his poetic calling to family storytelling, preachers and musicians in Louisiana.
- He describes finding his voice between preaching and music, which shaped his identity as a poet.
Book Began After His Father's Death
- Young began Nightwatch after his father's death and set the manuscript aside because it felt too dark.
- He revisited it during the pandemic when collective loss made the book feel timely and relevant.
The Twins On His Wall Became A Cycle
- Young discovered photographs of conjoined twins Millie and Christine and collected them for years on his wall.
- Their mixed singular/plural self-reference and royal touring history sparked his poem cycle Two-Headed Nightingale.
