TED Talks Daily Book Club: A Little Daylight Left | Sarah Kay

Release Date: June 29, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of TED Talks Daily, host Elise Hu engages in a profound and intimate conversation with acclaimed poet, performer, and educator Sarah Kay. Centered around Sarah's latest poetry collection, A Little Daylight Left, the discussion delves deep into the transformative power of poetry, Sarah's personal journey, her role in education, and the intricate process of crafting and curating poetic works.

Sarah Kay's Journey as a Poet

Early Inspirations and Discovering Poetry Slams

Sarah Kay's relationship with poetry began in her early childhood, not through formal education, but through a unique and heartfelt gesture by her parents. As she recounts, "[...] my parents, on a daily basis, would pack me lunch and they would take turns [...] putting a poem in my lunchbox. [05:27]"

This early exposure instilled in her a perception of poetry as a personal and magical expression of love and care. Her real awakening to the communal and performative aspects of poetry came in her early teens when she attended a New York City Teen Poetry Slam for the first time. Describe the experience, Sarah shares, "[...] discovering that poetry, which had previously been a solitary, secret moment, could also be a communal experience. [09:33]"

The First TED Talk and Its Impact

At 22, Sarah gave her first TED Talk, a piece that not only went viral but also catapulted her into the global spotlight. Opening her talk with poignant reflections on motherhood and resilience, she captivated millions. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Sarah mentions, "I was invited to a cool conference and maybe I'll learn some smart things. [...] the video did go viral, and I started to receive emails from people all over the world [...] [15:15]"

This unexpected fame led to what she describes as an "accidental ambassadorship," where she found herself traveling to diverse corners of the world, sharing her poetry, and inspiring countless individuals to explore their own poetic voices.

Poetry in Education

Teaching and Empowering Through Poetry

Sarah Kay's dedication extends beyond performance; she's a passionate educator who believes in the transformative power of poetry in the classroom. As the founder and co-director of Project Voice, she utilizes poetry to entertain, educate, and empower students and educators worldwide. In her own words, "[...] trying to facilitate and witness someone else falling in love with poetry and discovering that there is room for them in the house of poetry [...] [17:43]"

Impactful Experiences

One of her most memorable experiences involved teaching in a rural Georgian school alongside fellow poet Franny Choi. After a heartfelt session, a student gifted Sarah a letter expressing how her poetry had ignited a newfound passion within him. "What now. They all want to know. What now," she recounts about the student's enduring inspiration from her work. [19:59]

Sarah emphasizes that teaching poetry is not just about cultivating future poets but equipping individuals with vital life skills such as self-expression, empathy, collaboration, and resilience. "[...] teaching poetry or facilitating poetry is a way of teaching so many other things that are useful to you, no matter what you end up doing [...] [19:59]"

The Writing and Collection Process

Crafting Poems as a Navigational Tool

Sarah Kay describes her writing process as a method of navigating personal experiences and emotions. She likens poetry to solving a math equation in another language, where each poem serves as a tool to understand and process her life's complexities. "The writing of each individual poem is for me [...] it's a navigation tool. It helps me maneuver my way through my own living. [27:13]"

Curating A Little Daylight Left*

Her latest collection, A Little Daylight Left, is structured as a chronology of her personal journey. Divided into three sections, the book traces her evolution:

1. Early Adulthood: Processing the introduction of various forms of violence into her life.
2. Love and Heartbreak: Exploring the depths of falling in love and experiencing heartbreak.
3. Aging and Mortality: Reflecting on the themes of aging and the inevitability of mortality.

Sarah explains, "[...] once I found that sort of spine, then I was able to see which of all these poems help show that chronology [...] [30:24]"

The collection aims to take readers on a journey of emotional and existential exploration, with each poem carefully placed to support the overarching narrative arc.

Influence of Ancestors and Mentors

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Sarah Kay acknowledges the profound impact of her mentors, ancestors, and intergenerational friendships on her work. She believes that poetry, as an ancient art form, connects her to a lineage of poets who have sought to give voice to the unutterable. "[...] I hold both of those roles with great esteem and importance and responsibility. [34:22]"

Her friendships across different generations have enriched her understanding and practice of poetry, allowing her to learn from diverse perspectives and contribute to a collective poetic heritage.

Advice for Aspiring Poets

Embracing Accessibility and Personal Connection

Sarah encourages aspiring poets to find their own unique entry points into poetry. Whether through reading, listening, watching performances, or engaging with visual mediums, she emphasizes that there is no wrong way to engage with poetry. "Whatever door feels open to you into poetry, try that door. [23:08]"

She also highlights the importance of consistent practice and authentic self-expression, urging newcomers to explore diverse styles and forms to discover what resonates most with them.

"Watching and reading and listening and seeing as many different kinds of poems from as many different kinds of people is the best way to just learn about what is possible." [25:14]

Poetry Rx: Prescribing Poems for Personal Struggles

Addressing Listeners' Heartache Through Poetry

In a segment reminiscent of an advice column, Sarah engages with listeners' personal struggles by prescribing specific poems that resonate with their experiences.

1. Angela S.’s Dilemma
   Prompt: Balancing gratitude for opportunities in the U.S. with feelings of fear and unwelcomeness as an immigrant.
   Prescribed Poem: Self Portrait with no Flag by Safiya El Hilo
   Excerpt: "I pledge allegiance to no land, no border cut by force to draw blood. [42:22]"

2. Robin S.’s Conflict
   Prompt: Fearing the impermanence of beautiful moments.
   Prescribed Poem: Spoiler by Hala Alian
   Excerpt: "Because I baptized them. [...] make it beautiful. [44:48]"

These selections illustrate how poetry can provide solace, understanding, and a sense of community, offering words that articulate unspoken emotions.

Q&A Session

Addressing Community Concerns and Curiosities

1. Managing Hopelessness in a Turbulent World
   Question by Zainab: Feeling hopeless amid global crises and seeking the role of art.
   Sarah’s Response: Emphasizes the importance of teaching and learning from others, suggesting individuals contribute by sharing their unique skills and continuously learning from their communities. "What do I know how to do that I could teach someone else how to do. [47:57]"

2. Life Soundtrack Poems
   Question by Laura: Which poems have significantly influenced Sarah's life.
   Sarah’s Response: Mentions Reconsider the Buoyancy of the Human Heart by Laura Lamb Brown Lavoy as one of her favorites that she revisits regularly. "[49:21]"

3. Revelatory Poems
   Question by Kat H.: Whether any of her poems offered a frightening revelation.
   Sarah’s Response: References Hanif Abdurraqib’s interaction with an astronaut, emphasizing curiosity over fear. "Fear can be in the car, but it doesn't get to drive. [50:03]"

4. AI’s Impact on Poetry
   Question by Mariangela A.: How AI might change the creation of poetry.
   Sarah’s Response: Expresses skepticism about AI replacing the human element in poetry, emphasizing the unique human experience that fuels authentic poetic expression. "I think when we read a poem written by a human, we feel their humanness through the language. [51:06]"

Conclusion

Sarah Kay's conversation on TED Talks Daily offers a compelling exploration of poetry's role in personal growth, education, and community building. Through her heartfelt narratives and thoughtful insights, Sarah underscores the enduring significance of poetry as a tool for understanding, healing, and connecting with others. Her dedication to making poetry accessible and her belief in its power to transform lives resonate deeply, inspiring listeners to embrace their own poetic journeys.

Notable Quotes

• "Poetry offers... camaraderie or belonging or reassurance or community..." — Sarah Kay [05:27]
• "I didn't fall in love with poetry in a book. I fell in love with poetry in a dive bar." — Sarah Kay [09:33]
• "Poem as a verb." — Sarah Kay [27:13]
• "Whatever door feels open to you into poetry, try that door." — Sarah Kay [23:08]

About Sarah Kay

Sarah Kay is a renowned poet known for her evocative performances and dedication to education through poetry. With multiple poetry collections and a history of impactful TED Talks, she continues to inspire audiences worldwide with her words and her mission to make poetry accessible to all.