[Unedited] J. Drew Lanham with Krista Tippett

Love of Birds

J. Drew Lanham shares his lifelong love for birds, rooted in childhood experiences with snowbirds and sparrows. He recalls the emotional impact of a Christmas tale involving a BB gun and a chipping sparrow, which left a lasting impression on him 1. Lanham emphasizes the importance of seeing birds not just as objects to count, but as storytellers that connect us to the past and present. He notes, "I want them to see the stories in these birds and to be able to travel back through time and understand what it may have exacted on people" 2.

   

Nature's Solace

Nature serves as a sanctuary for Lanham, offering solace and reflection. He describes his writing shed, "The Thicket," as a personal escape where he finds peace and creativity 3. The pandemic forced him to rediscover his backyard, deepening his appreciation for the familiar landscape and the birds that visit. Lanham reflects, "Sitting by my plastic pond full of little fish and frogs...was sort of a daily saving grace in a way" 4.

   

Land & History

Lanham explores the intertwined history of land and identity, highlighting how landscapes are shaped by the legacy of slavery. He teaches students to consider the beauty of nature alongside its historical context, stating, "I cannot in good conscience ignore the bitter for the beautiful" 5. The story of the bobolinks illustrates this connection, as these birds' migration patterns intersect with the history of enslaved people who worked the land 6.