Ada Limón, U.S. Poet Laureate and a recently named MacArthur 'Genius', discusses her search for her 'original animal' core. They explore the themes of seasons, nature, and identity in her latest poetry collection. Ada also reflects on her experience as a working poet and her success with her book 'Bright Dead Things'. She shares her journey and initial reaction to receiving the MacArthur Genius Grant. The speaker reflects on grief, unexpected inheritance, and the power of eulogies. Ada discusses mortality and her latest poetry collection.
Ada Limon's poetry collection, 'The Herding Kind,' explores themes of change, identity, and the unpredictability of life, allowing readers to reflect on their own emotions and perceptions.
Ada Limon emphasizes the significance of representation and the joy it brings to her community, while also expressing gratitude for the financial security and artistic freedom provided by the MacArthur Fellowship.
Deep dives
Finding Healing in the Changing Seasons
In this podcast episode, poet laureate Eda Limon discusses how the changing seasons and personal experiences have influenced her recent poetry collection. She reflects on her transition from being a summer person to appreciating the healing properties of fall. Limon's collection, "The Herding Kind," explores themes of change, identity, and the unpredictability of life. She shares personal stories, including the loss of loved ones and her Mexican heritage, highlighting the importance of representation and upholding communities through her poetry. Limon also discusses the impact of receiving the MacArthur Fellowship and how it opens up new possibilities for her as a working poet.
The Power of Poetry in Capturing the Human Experience
Ada Limon's poetry collection, "The Herding Kind," offers a unique perspective on the depth and complexity of the human experience. Through poetry, Limon delves into the uncertainties and mysteries of life, allowing readers to reflect on their own emotions and perceptions. She emphasizes the role of poetry in capturing liminal spaces, evoking wonder and curiosity, and reminding us of the strangeness of being alive. By embracing the freedom of expression and exploring the beauty in the ordinary, Limon's poetry offers a voice beneath the surface of daily life.
Reflecting on Identity, Representation, and the MacArthur Grant
Ada Limon shares her thoughts on identity, representation, and the significance of her Mexican heritage. While she doesn't explicitly foreground her Latina identity in her poetry, she recognizes the value of representation for young people and the joy it brings to her community. Limon also discusses her surprise and gratitude upon receiving the MacArthur Fellowship, which offers her financial security and the ability to prioritize her art. She contemplates the possibilities of taking time off from constant travel, focusing on writing, and the freedom that comes with the grant.
Ada Limón is many things: the U.S. Poet Laureate, a recently named MacArthur "Genius," a Latina, a summer person becoming a fall person. But underneath all those outer identities, she's still in search for the "original animal at [her] core."