Layli Long Soldier : We

Layli Long Soldier returns to the show to discuss her latest remarkable poetry collection We (and/or Wé). We talk about these two connotations of we/wé, the questions of address, audience, identity and kinship implicit in them both. We explore the many visual art installations documented within We and how they intersect with both poetry and community. We explore what it means to treat a poem, not yet finished, as having its own desires and needs different than yours. And we look at language and the law, navigating thorny questions of language as a tool and as a weapon when it comes to treaties, to Land Back, and Layli’s art and writing practice engaging with it all.

If you enjoy today’s conversation consider joining the Between the Covers community as a listener-supporter. One of the many things you can choose from when you do is access to the bonus audio archive with contributions from many past guests including: Layli Long Soldier, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Dionne Brand, Arthur Sze, Ada Limón, Omar El Akkad, Danez Smith, Christina Sharpe, Alice Oswald and many others. Find out more at the show’s Patreon page.

Finally, here is the episode-specific BookShop for today’s conversation with Layli. And for your general book shopping needs, don’t miss Milkweed Editions BookShop as well.