Tracy K. Smith, Marilyn Nelson, and Terrance Hayes discuss poetry as a tool for protest and liberation, exploring themes of historical voices, expressing grievances, and societal issues. They highlight the power of poetry in addressing racial struggles and the importance of bringing Black life into national conversations. The conversation delves into poetic form as a tool for liberation, growth, and understanding, emphasizing its role in exploring complexity and interpreting the world.

Renowned poets Mary Karr and Terrance Hayes discuss themes of family dynamics, symbolism, communion, suicide, parental love, and self-identity through thought-provoking poetry readings and discussions.

MacArthur Genius Grant and National Book Award winner Terrance Hayes discusses his new collection of poems 'So to Speak' inspired by the COVID quarantine, the 2020 protests after the killing of George Floyd, and the Jim Crow South. He reflects on writing a poem about George Floyd, talks about his love for language and bending the rules of sonnets, and explores the imagery of his mother as a clapping blackbird.