All Of It: Bronx Poet Roya Marsh Reflects on Black Life

Episode Release Date: March 4, 2025

In this compelling episode of WNYC’s All Of It, host Alison Stewart engages in an insightful conversation with Bronx-born poet, educator, and activist Roya Marsh. Marsh delves deep into her latest poetry collection, Savings Time, exploring themes of blackness, queerness, community, love, and survival. This episode offers listeners a profound look into Marsh’s creative process, the inspirations behind her work, and her journey as a poet and performer.

Introduction to Roya Marsh and Savings Time

Alison Stewart introduces Roya Marsh, highlighting her second poetry collection, Savings Time. Marsh’s work continues the personal and political exploration initiated in her first collection, Daylight (2020). According to the author’s note in Savings Time, “they are banning books and bodies. It's a matter of time before they come for our last breath," underscoring the urgent and liberating nature of her poetry ([00:39] Alison Stewart).

Inspiration Behind the Title: Savings Time

When asked about the inspiration for the title Savings Time, Marsh explains the temporal significance and communal focus of her work. “[...] Savings Time is to me a time capsule. It is a piece of art that is meant to capture and imprint something extremely significant into the hearts and minds of those alive right now and those to come” ([01:48] Roya Marsh). She emphasizes that her poetry serves as a tool for self-liberation and contributes to the broader pursuit of collective black liberation, advocating for inclusive participation in the revolution toward equity.

Reading of "Hypersensitivity"

Marsh shares a poignant piece titled "Hypersensitivity," which critiques societal mechanisms that suppress and dehumanize marginalized individuals. The poem vividly illustrates the struggle against oppressive forces:

"Hypersensitivity
Is a term made up by the devil to keep angels falling from grace.
Is shock treatment. Is silver tape on the mouth, hands, feet.
Is a gag order."
— *Roya Marsh, "Hypersensitivity" ([03:25] Roya Marsh)

This powerful reading sets the tone for the themes explored throughout Savings Time, highlighting the intersection of personal trauma and systemic violence.

Navigating Trauma and Internal Experiences in Poetry

Alison Stewart inquires about Marsh’s approach to writing about traumatic events alongside internal struggles. Marsh responds, “[...] it's almost impossible for me to separate these things based on my lived experiences. I think that they all come out at the same time” ([05:43] Roya Marsh). She elaborates on the interconnectedness of black joy and rage, stating, “I'm thinking of how I only know to experience joy because I've experienced rage. I only know to experience rage because I have experienced joy” ([05:47] Roya Marsh). This interplay underscores the complexity of her emotional landscape and its expression through poetry.

Reading of "He seemed so nice"

Marsh proceeds to read another evocative poem, "He seemed so nice," which critiques the dehumanization and racial biases present in media portrayals of perpetrators of violence:

"He seemed so nice
He has two parents and a football trophy.
He takes out the trash and wheels the cans back into the yard.
...
Cause nice men always take out the trash, don't they?"
— *Roya Marsh, "He seemed so nice" ([07:15] Roya Marsh)

This poem exemplifies Marsh’s ability to confront uncomfortable truths and challenge societal narratives through her evocative language.

The Purpose of Writing: Catharsis and Change

When asked about her motivations for writing, Marsh affirms that her work serves multiple purposes: catharsis, advocacy for change, and honoring victims. “[...] having the platform to reflect on pain, outrage and grief that come with witnessing or experiencing state violence makes it my duty” ([09:09] Roya Marsh). She aspires to challenge oppressive systems, seek justice, and inspire direct action, highlighting the transformative power of literature.

Exploring LGBTQ Identity and Intersectionality

Marsh discusses her poem "Gay Girl," which addresses the intersectionality of her identities as a queer black woman. She explains, “[...] people assume that because I am a queer woman and in same-sex relationships, I am less than a woman by some other societal standard” ([10:31] Roya Marsh). Through her poetry, Marsh confronts and dismantles these reductive stereotypes, asserting the full complexity of her identity: “I am all these things. I am none of these things, and there is actually nothing that you can do to pigeonhole me” ([10:31] Roya Marsh).

From Writer to Performer: An Accidental Journey into Poetry Slams

Marsh shares a humorous and pivotal moment in her career when she unintentionally entered a poetry slam. “[...] I was on a date, actually. I was going to try to sign up for this open mic... and I win this poetry slam” ([11:36] Roya Marsh). This experience introduced her to the vibrant world of competitive performance poetry, significantly altering her trajectory as a writer. She describes the poetry slam as a revelation, offering a communal space filled with creative energy and resonance.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by acknowledging the depth and impact of Roya Marsh’s work. Marsh’s Savings Time not only captures her personal journey but also serves as a collective voice for marginalized communities striving for liberation and recognition. Her poetry, rich with emotional and political nuance, invites listeners to engage with the complexities of identity, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice.

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