Marie Howe and Lucie Brock-Broido delve into the intricacies of poetry, exploring themes of childhood memories, societal changes, and the importance of unanswered questions. They discuss the symbolism of stars, bewilderment in poetry, and the unique voice each poet brings to their work.

Marie Howe’s poem “My Mother’s Body” is wise about age. In the poem, Marie’s mother is young enough to be Marie’s own daughter, and in this imagination there is wonder, understanding, and even forgiveness. A question to reflect on after you listen: Are there things that you have found easier to understand — or even forgive — as you’ve gotten older?About the poet:Marie Howe is a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. She’s published four collections of poetry: What the Living Do, The Good Thief, The Kingdom of Ordinary Time, and Magdalene. She has taught at Sarah Lawrence College, Dartmouth College, and New York University.“My Mother’s Body” comes from Marie Howe’s book The Kingdom of Ordinary Time. Thank you to W.W. Norton, who published the book and gave us permission to use Marie’s poem. Read it on onbeing.org.Find the transcript for this episode at onbeing.org.The original music in this episode was composed by Gautam Srikishan.

Marie Howe, an award-winning poet known for her poignant exploration of loss and spirituality, shares her insights on the moral life and the power of language. She reflects on her brother’s death and how poetry serves as a healing medium. The conversation touches on the significance of family dynamics, the influence of a Catholic upbringing, and how art can transform pain into beauty. Howe also delves into the essence of Mary Magdalene, examining themes of identity and acceptance through the lens of history and scripture.