Sarah Kay: "A Bird Made of Birds"

The transcript explores the poetic insights of Kaveh Akbar, who shares a photo of a blue whale's heart, illustrating the universe's pre-written poetry. The speaker initially feels despair but later finds inspiration in the universe's creations, like the murmuration of starlings. The narrative shifts to accepting that the universe's poetry is already written, and the speaker's role is to observe and share these moments. The transcript concludes with reflections on the beauty and truth of nature's poetry, emphasizing personal contribution and transformation.

What realization did the narrator have upon seeing the photo of the blue whale's heart?

• The universe has already created all beauty.

• The heart of a blue whale is small.

• Poets can create new metaphors easily.

• The universe is indifferent to poetry.

How did the narrator's perspective change after watching the starlings' video?

• They understood the importance of observing the universe.

• They felt more despair.

• They decided to stop writing poetry.

• They realized their role is to invent new things.

What is the significance of the starlings forming a shape in the sky?

• It shows the randomness of nature.

• It signifies the end of creativity.

• It represents the universe's pre-written poetry.

• It is a common occurrence with no meaning.

What does the narrator suggest about the role of language in capturing the universe's poetry?

• Language can always capture the universe's beauty.

• Sometimes language fails to capture the universe's essence.

• Language is the only way to understand the universe.

• Language is unnecessary for poetry.

What does the narrator imply about the purpose of their work as a poet?

• To highlight the universe's creations, even if not first or best.

• To compete with other poets.

• To ignore the universe's influence.

• To be the first to describe something.