Code Switch Giving up on identity with Ada Limón
Oct 25, 2023
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.
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Centerfold Inspiration
- Ada Limón's oldest surviving poem, "Centerfold," was inspired by discovering Playboy magazines in a barn.
- She and her friend viewed the women as symbols of freedom, not sexualized objects.
Giving Up on Identity
- Ada Limón initially used poetry to explore her identity.
- Now, she focuses on removing labels and finding her core self.
Limón in the Crossword
- Seeing her last name, Limón, in a crossword puzzle made Ada Limón emotional.
- It symbolized her grandfather's journey and the importance of representation.