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.

Tracy K. Smith’s poem “Song” is filled with observations of a loved person: their habits, the things they do when they think nobody is watching. Love is shown and celebrated in observing the small practices of another.  A question to reflect on after you listen: What’s something small and quiet you’ve noticed about a loved one?About the poet:Tracy K. Smith is a professor of creative writing at Princeton University and the former poet laureate of the United States. Her poetry collections include Life on Mars, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Duende, and The Body’s Prize. Her memoir is Ordinary Light, and she also hosts the podcast, The Slowdown.“Song” comes from Tracy K. Smith’s book Life on Mars. Thank you to Graywolf Press, who published the book and to The Permissions Company, who let us use Tracy’s poem. Read it on our website at onbeing.org.Find the transcript for this episode at onbeing.org.The original music in this episode was composed by Gautam Srikishan.

Tracy K. Smith and Matthew Dickman discuss the depth of 'Minimum Wage,' erasure as a poetic technique, the power of 'we' in poetry to foster empathy, and the significance of tradition in poetry. They touch on themes of hope, vulnerability, historical challenges, and the importance of repair in the face of adversity.

The pandemic memoirs began almost immediately, and now comes another kind of offering — a searching look at the meaning of the racial catharsis to which the pandemic in some sense gave birth and voice and life. Tracy K. Smith co-edited the stunning book, There’s a Revolution Outside, My Love: Letters from a Crisis, a collection of 40 pieces that span an array of BIPOC voices from Edwidge Danticat to Reginald Dwayne Betts, from Layli Long Soldier to Ross Gay to Julia Alvarez. Tracy and Michael Kleber-Diggs, who also contributed an essay, join Krista for a conversation that is quiet and fierce and wise. They reflect inward and outward, backwards and forwards, from inside the Black experience of this pivotal time to be alive.Tracy K. Smith — is a professor of creative writing at Princeton University and the former Poet Laureate of the United States. Her poetry collections include Life on Mars, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Duende, and Wade in the Water. Her memoir is Ordinary Light. She’s the co-editor of the book, There’s a Revolution Outside, My Love: Letters from a Crisis.Michael Kleber-Diggs — teaches creative writing through the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop and at colleges and high schools in Minnesota. He’s a contributor to the book, There’s a Revolution Outside, My Love: Letters from a Crisis. His debut collection, Worldly Things, has been awarded the 2021 Max Ritvo Poetry Prize.Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org.

Tracy K. Smith, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, discusses finding poetic solace amidst anxiety, while artist Jenny Odell emphasizes the need to reconnect with nature for grounding. Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor, highlights the transformative power of awe and connection in turbulent times. Together, they explore coping strategies, mindfulness, and the importance of community, urging listeners to seek beauty and meaning even on an anxiety-laden Election Day.

The podcast delves into the complexity of Tracy K. Smith's poem 'Solstice' from her award-winning collection 'Life on Mars', exploring themes of news, obedience, prayer, and societal disillusionment.

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith shares her insights on navigating grief, especially during the holidays. She discusses the emotional challenges of loss during festive times and emphasizes the importance of honoring memories through rituals. Tracy highlights how adapting traditions and creating connections, even virtually, can aid healing. She shares personal stories that illustrate the balance between remembrance and embracing new practices, shedding light on how families can support each other through grief while finding solace in shared moments.

The pandemic memoirs began almost immediately, and now comes another kind of offering — a searching look at the meaning of the racial catharsis to which the pandemic in some sense gave birth and voice and life. Tracy K. Smith co-edited the stunning book, There’s a Revolution Outside, My Love: Letters from a Crisis, a collection of 40 pieces that span an array of BIPOC voices from Edwidge Danticat to Reginald Dwayne Betts, from Layli Long Soldier to Ross Gay to Julia Alvarez. Tracy and Michael Kleber-Diggs, who also contributed an essay, join Krista for a conversation that is quiet and fierce and wise. They reflect inward and outward, backwards and forwards, from inside the Black experience of this pivotal time to be alive.Tracy K. Smith — is a professor of creative writing at Princeton University and the former Poet Laureate of the United States. Her poetry collections include Life on Mars, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Duende, and Wade in the Water. Her memoir is Ordinary Light. She’s the co-editor of the book, There’s a Revolution Outside, My Love: Letters from a Crisis.Michael Kleber-Diggs — teaches creative writing through the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop and at colleges and high schools in Minnesota. He’s a contributor to the book, There’s a Revolution Outside, My Love: Letters from a Crisis. His debut collection, Worldly Things, has been awarded the 2021 Max Ritvo Poetry Prize.This interview is edited and produced with music and other features in the On Being episode “Tracy K. Smith and Michael Kleber-Diggs — ‘History is upon us... its hand against our back.’Find the transcript for that show at onbeing.org.

Tracy K. Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate, shares her profound insights on the nature of poetry. She emphasizes that poetry expresses feelings that often defy language and encourages embracing ambiguity. The conversation delves into the interplay of personal and societal themes, exploring poetry's role in fostering empathy and understanding. Smith reads from her collection *Wade in the Water*, touching on love, identity, and the human experience, all while redefining how we approach and appreciate poetic expression.

Tracy K. Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate, reflects on navigating grief during the holiday season. She shares personal stories about adapting traditions while honoring lost loved ones. The conversation emphasizes the bittersweet nature of holiday rituals and the importance of self-care. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their pain and find creative ways to connect with family amidst sorrow. Smith's insights beautifully illustrate the complexities of remembrance and resilience during this poignant time.