Published Jul 23, 2015

Elizabeth Alexander — Words That Shimmer

Poet Elizabeth Alexander delves into the transformative power of poetry in shaping societal discourse and personal experience, emphasizing love's role in politics and poetry's unique ability to bridge personal and universal truths. Through cultural narratives and historical reflections, Alexander illuminates how poetry can pose profound questions and foster communal connection in complex times.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Dexa/Krista Tippett

Elizabeth Alexander — Words That Shimmer

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Proximity of Life

The Power of Poetry

The Mightiest Word

Crave Radiance

The Power of Poetry

Lucille Clifton's Legacy

The Power of Poetry

The Power of the Particular

Unexpected Path

Motherhood and Poetry

The Power of Silence

The Power of Poetry

Love's Political Power

Episode Highlights

Poetry's Societal Role

Poetry and Personal Experience

Historical and Cultural Context

Power of Poetry

Related Episodes

“Ars Poetica #100: I Believe” by Elizabeth Alexander

Marie Howe — The Power of Words to Save Us

Sarah Kay's Way with Words

[Unedited] Naomi Shihab Nye with Krista Tippett

[Unedited] Elizabeth Alexander with Krista Tippett

Poetry from the On Being Gathering — Naomi Shihab Nye

Naomi Shihab Nye — Your Life Is a Poem

[Unedited] Elizabeth Alexander with Krista Tippett

Introducing ‘Poetry Unbound’

A Word from Krista

Poetry From the On Being Gathering — Marilyn Nelson

[Unedited] Alice Parker with Krista Tippett

[Unedited] Mary Oliver with Krista Tippett

A Listening Ritual for this Fall: Poetry Unbound

Gregory Orr — Shaping Grief With Language

Elizabeth Alexander — Words That Shimmer

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Poetry's Societal RoleElizabeth Alexander discusses the integration of love into political discourse and the vital role of poetry in addressing societal challenges. She emphasizes love's transformative power and poetry's ability to illuminate universal truths through particular experiences.

Poetry's Societal Role

Poetry and Personal ExperienceElizabeth Alexander explores how childhood memories and motherhood have shaped her poetic expression. She reflects on the unexpected path to poetry and the profound influence of personal experiences on her creative process.

Poetry and Personal Experience

Historical and Cultural ContextElizabeth Alexander explores the profound impact of poetry in capturing cultural narratives and preserving historical experiences. She highlights how poetry connects the particular to the universal, enriching our understanding of shared humanity.

Historical and Cultural Context

Power of PoetryElizabeth Alexander explores the transformative power of poetry in addressing hard truths and fostering communal connections. She discusses how poetry's ability to pose profound questions can guide us through complex times.

Power of Poetry

Related Episodes