Safiya Sinclair

Safiya Sinclair discusses Natalie Diaz's poem 'From the Desire Field' & her own 'Gospel of the Misunderstood' on the New Yorker Poetry Podcast. They explore magical imagery, themes of desire, and the influence of Jamaican heritage on poetry.

Safiya Sinclair, a Jamaican-American poet and author of "How to Say Babylon," shares her journey of growing up in a Rasta family in Montego Bay. She discusses the intertwining of personal identity with Jamaican national history and the Rastafari movement's influence on her upbringing. Safiya reflects on the power of poetry for self-discovery and breaking free from familial expectations. She also explores themes of gender roles, the balance of agency and submission, and the impact of storytelling in shaping aspirations.

Safiya Sinclair is a Jamaican poet and writer whose memoir, "How to Say Babylon," reveals her upbringing in a devout Rastafari family. In a candid discussion, she shares the emotional weight of cutting her dreadlocks at 19, marking her break from tradition and her father's expectations. Sinclair explores themes of identity, community, and empowerment through poetry, reflecting on the healing journey from her childhood pain. She also highlights the contrast between her Rastafari roots and her experiences navigating predominantly white spaces in the U.S.