Poetry Unbound

Meleika Gesa-Fatafehi is a poet with a rich Black/Indigenous, Pasifika, and West Asian background, celebrated for her poignant storytelling. In this discussion, she delves into the significance of names, revealing how her identity is intertwined with cultural history and resilience. Meleika passionately emphasizes the importance of correctly pronouncing names, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the dignity and ancestral ties attached to them. Her reflections inspire a deeper understanding of heritage and representation in poetry.

In strength and defiance, Lucille Clifton celebrates her Black body and her survival. When have you said or heard words like this? Calling herself “both nonwhite and woman,” Lucille Clifton glories in her shape and fact of her life in these two poems. She invites the reader to witness everything she's lived through, and to celebrate the flourishing life that she has created in spite of everything that has tried to kill her.Lucille Clifton was the author of several books of poetry including Blessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems 1988–2000, which won the National Book Award, The Book of Light, and Good Woman: Poems and a Memoir 1969-1980. She served as poet laureate for the state of Maryland from 1979-1985 and was a distinguished professor of humanities at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She died in 2010.Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org.

Chris Abani, a Nigerian novelist, poet, and playwright, delves into the intricate relationship between the body and mind. He shares insights from his poem, exploring themes of masculinity, vulnerability, and societal viewpoints on embodiment. Abani vividly describes aspects of our physical selves, from skin to hunger, while questioning how to fully inhabit our bodies. His unique perspective encourages listeners to embrace their physicality in a world that often overlooks it.

Molly McCully Brown, acclaimed author of *The Virginia State Colony For Epileptics and Feebleminded*, discusses the intricate beauty found in overlooked places. She explores how perception shifts, transforming 'shit towns' into homes filled with rich memories. With evocative imagery, Molly delves into the themes of nostalgia and identity, inviting listeners to rethink their connections to seemingly unremarkable settings. Her insights into the alchemy of experience reshape our understanding of what makes a place meaningful.

Is there a character (from history, politics, or literature) whose story you want to tell from a new perspective? This poem is told from the point of view of “Lot’s wife,” a biblical character who was turned into salt because she looked back to see the burning of Sodom, her home city. The poet shows us what Lot’s wife sees: towers swaying, guitars popping, dogs weeping and roosters howling. By mixing the modern with the everlasting, Lot’s wife is humanized and justified.Natalie Diaz is Mojave and an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Tribe. She was a 2018 MacArthur Foundation Fellow and has written two books of poetry, When My Brother Was an Aztec, and Postcolonial Love Poem. She teaches at the Arizona State University Creative Writing MFA program.Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org.

Natasha Trethewey, a former U.S. Poet Laureate and acclaimed author, shares her poignant insights on identity and history. She discusses her poem 'Miscegenation,' reflecting on how laws against interracial marriage shaped her parents' love story. The conversation dives into themes of race and belonging, exploring the complexities of mixed-race identity. Trethewey also connects her personal experiences to broader societal issues, revealing the power of poetry in navigating heritage and identity through a deeply personal lens.

James Wright, a celebrated poet and Pulitzer Prize winner, shares a touching reflection on beauty in his poem 'A Blessing'. He recalls a twilight moment in Minnesota where he and a friend encounter welcoming ponies. The conversation dives deep into themes of connection and loneliness, revealing the complex relationship between joy and sadness in nature. With rich insights drawn from Wright's own life, including his experiences in World War II, the discussion highlights the emotional landscape that defines his work.

Gregory Pardlo, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and director of the MFA program at Rutgers-Camden, explores the beauty of unexpected human encounters. He reflects on a chance meeting by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, revealing how a simple question can spark profound connection. Topics include urban isolation, vulnerability in relationships, and the warmth found in fleeting interactions. Pardlo's insights illustrate how poetry can emerge from daily life, enhancing our understanding of solitude and the power of shared experiences.

Ada Limón, acclaimed poet and author of the award-winning collection 'The Carrying,' discusses the intersection of vulnerability and strength in her work. She shares a poignant story of someone battling invisible chronic pain who finds inspiration from a superheroine. Their encounter highlights resilience amid struggle, emphasizing the beauty of shared experiences. Limón invites listeners to embrace their own challenges and discover empowerment in moments of vulnerability, blending personal narrative with the mythology of strength.

In this trailer, prominent poets Lucille Clifton, James Wright, Natasha Trethewey, Christian Wiman, and Layli Long Soldier give us a taste of the season's themes. They explore the transformative power of poetry in daily life, emphasizing its ability to foster compassion and connection. Each poet shares unique insights into their craft—highlighting memory, Indigenous identity, and the intersection of faith and literature. Expect a rich journey through influential voices and evocative themes that promise to inspire and uplift.