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On Monday, March 11, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville welcomed United States Poet Laureate, Ada Limón, to the Morris University Center. In collaboration with the Lovejoy Library, Edwardsville Public Library and Edwardsville High School, SIUE hosted an evening of live poetry and in-depth discussion about Limón’s creative process. Limón was appointed by the Librarian of Congress, and is the first Latina Poet Laureate of the U.S.

Limón’s poetry is regarded as naturalist, surrealist, and environmentally conscious. She recited ten poems from her collection of books to an audience of more than 300 attendees. The event was also livestreamed. Limón concluded her reading with “In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa,” a poem engraved on the Europa Clipper, a NASA spacecraft set to launch in October to orbit the icy moon of Jupiter.

After Limón’s poetry reading, she sat down for a conversational interview with Kirk Schlueter, English teacher at Edwardsville High School, and Lauren Gerber, Instructor of English at SIUE.
Gerber opens the conversation by asking Limón about her use of balance and contrasts in her poetry.

“We’ve noticed a strong theme of contrast in your work,” Gerber stated. “Many of your poems are full of light and darkness and joy and sorrow together at once. We were wondering if that is something that happens organically as you write or if that is a conscious part of your writing process?"

“I’m interested in balance in my life,” Limón answered. “I’ve always said that the only thing more annoying than my despair is my enthusiasm…These themes will always work like a figure eight going back and forth. They are all there together, and if I don’t honor them on the page I don’t honor them in my life and I won’t feel as healed as I can when I write poems.”

Schlueter inquired about Limón’s role and responsibilities as Poet Laureate. Limón answered him with graceful integrity and spoke about the freedom to give herself agency.

“Anyone in a public role knows that it comes with guardrails,” Limón said. “All I ever wanted to do and what I’m working towards and fighting for is to write freely...There are times where I do need to protect my artistic freedom…As someone who doesn’t really believe in borders, it is hard for me to necessarily be the spokesperson, but I will, with my whole heart, be an advocate for poetry because I do believe in read poetry.”

To substantial applause, Limón continued, “If we read poetry more, we would be better off.”

Speaking to the students, Limón encouraged scholars and creative writers to embrace their uniqueness.

“Try not to be like anybody else, that’s your strength,” Limón said.

Ada Limón has authored six books of poetry and is the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship. Her signature project as Poet Laureate “You Are Here,” debuts in April and will feature poetry installations as public art in U.S. National Parks. To learn more about her projects, visit her website at adalimon.net.

PHOTO: U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón