Ada Limón, acclaimed poet and former Poet Laureate of the United States, recently appeared on the podcast A Dialogue of Writing, hosted by Mitzi Rapkin. In this episode, Limón discussed her new poetry collection, Startlement: New & Selected Poems, while reflecting on her childhood experiences and the role of psychedelics in her creative process.
The podcast, which features in-depth interviews with various writers, aims to highlight the influence of literature and the artistic journey. During her conversation with Rapkin, Limón shared insights into how her early memories, including moments spent in nature, have shaped her writing. She touched on themes of perception and reality, particularly the effects of plant medicine on her worldview.
Exploring Reality Through Poetry
In their discussion, Rapkin prompted Limón about the connection between her youthful experiences and her later explorations with psychedelics. Limón explained that her awareness of the world was always present, but using plant medicine provided a platform to express these observations. She stated, “What happened to me was that I always saw things that way, and plant medicine gave me an excuse to talk about it.”
This perspective allowed Limón to engage with the intricate beauty of her surroundings in a way that might otherwise seem unconventional. She elaborated, emphasizing that psychedelics helped her articulate a conversation with the world that many might feel hesitant to initiate. “If you’re having a psychedelic experience, that becomes everything,” she noted, highlighting the transformation of perception that such experiences can foster.
A Celebration of Literary Excellence
Ada Limón is the author of seven poetry collections, including her previous works, The Hurting Kind and The Carrying. The latter won the National Book Critics Circle Award and was nominated for the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award. Her collection Bright Dead Things was a finalist for multiple prestigious awards, including the National Book Award.
In addition to her poetry, Limón has authored two picture books and served as the editor of the anthology You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World. Her contributions to literature underscore her commitment to exploring complex themes through the lens of personal experience.
Listeners can access the full episode of A Dialogue of Writing to delve deeper into Limón’s thoughts on her work, the influence of her upbringing, and the intersection of art and consciousness. The podcast is available for subscription and download on various platforms.
Through her compelling narratives and unique perspective, Ada Limón continues to inspire readers and writers alike, illustrating the power of poetry to connect deeply with the human experience.