"Marigolds," a poem about wonder | Safiya Sinclair

TED Talks Daily

2025/07/09

Overview Shownote Highlights Transcript Chapters Pins

Shownote

Poet Safiya Sinclair performs "Marigolds: A Letter to Wonder," an original poem she created for TED that explores memory, beauty and the fragility of life. After the poem, she talks with TED's Helen Walters about her writing process — and what it feels lik...

Highlights

In this intimate conversation, poet Safiya Sinclair invites listeners into a world where memory blooms like flowers in a neglected garden. Through her original poem and reflective dialogue, she uncovers the delicate threads connecting nature, loss, and creativity.

07:00

The poem came suddenly—it was about marigolds and my childhood with my mother.

Chapters

What does a garden remember?

00:00

How do marigolds carry a mother's voice?

03:01

Is poetry born or written?

07:00

Why is telling your own story the hardest one to write?

09:45

Transcript

Elise Hu: You're listening to TED Talks Daily, where we bring you new ideas and conversations to spark your curiosity every day. I'm your host, Elise Hugh. Today, we're bringing you a poem written and performed by poet Safiya Sinclair. She shares that natu...