Tricycle Talks The Work of Not Knowing with Marie Howe
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Jul 23, 2025 Marie Howe, the poet in residence at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine and a recipient of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for her collection, discusses the profound role of not knowing in poetry. She shares how writing acts as a form of prayer, helping us confront life's difficulties and embrace uncertainty. Howe reflects on her personal journey through loss, spirituality, and the transformative nature of acceptance. With insights influenced by Christian mystic Meister Eckhart, her anecdotes illuminate the deep connections between poetry, nature, and the divine.
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Stay Present Despite Distractions
- Resist distractions like phones and social media to truly see what is happening.
- Stay present to look through situations like a window instead of looking away.
Brother John’s Spiritual Influence
- Marie Howe's brother John, who died of AIDS, was a spiritual teacher and close companion.
- Their relationship deepened with constant communication and shared awareness of mortality.
Facing Mortality with John
- John candidly told Marie he was going to die and emphasized that she too would die.
- This revelation dramatically transformed her understanding of life and death.
