“Marigolds,” a Poem About Wonder | Safiya Sinclair | TED

Overview

Safiya Sinclair performs her original poem Marigolds: A Letter to Wonder, a deeply evocative exploration of memory, nature, and spirituality. She reflects on her creative process, the role of her mother in shaping her artistry, and the differences between writing poetry and memoirs.

Notable Quotes

- The muse touches my head when she wants to. - Safiya Sinclair, on the unpredictable nature of poetic inspiration.

- Nature really is the natural archway to wonder. - Safiya Sinclair, connecting her childhood garden to creativity and spirituality.

- Writing the memoir was a lesson in humility. - Safiya Sinclair, on the challenges of transitioning from poetry to prose.

🌼 The Poem: Marigolds

- Sinclair’s poem intertwines themes of childhood, spirituality, and nature, centering on memories of gardening with her mother.

- She describes the act of planting marigold seeds as a sacred ritual, connecting her family’s hands in the soil to prayer and wonder.

- The imagery of flowers, sea-wind, and the cherry tree evokes a sense of fragility and beauty, while honoring her mother’s influence and legacy.

- The poem celebrates the transformative power of memory and creativity, likening poetry to a vessel for preserving life’s fleeting moments.

📝 The Writing Process: Waiting for the Muse

- Sinclair shares that her poetry emerges unpredictably, often arriving in a sudden fever of inspiration.

- She recounts how the TED team grew anxious waiting for her poem, but she insisted on letting the muse guide her.

- For Sinclair, poetry is a spiritual practice, rooted in rhythm, music, and meaning.

📚 Poetry vs. Memoir: A Creative Shift

- Writing her memoir required a structured approach, contrasting sharply with the mystical spontaneity of her poetry.

- Sinclair had to plan chapters, develop characters, and craft dialogue, which she found humbling and challenging.

- She humorously recalls her surprise at receiving editorial notes for her memoir, a departure from the hands-off approach editors take with her poetry.

🌿 Nature as a Gateway to Wonder

- Sinclair emphasizes the profound connection between nature and creativity, describing her childhood garden as a source of inspiration.

- She reflects on how the act of gardening with her mother shaped her understanding of herself and her place in the universe.

- The garden serves as a metaphor for growth, memory, and the cyclical beauty of life.