In the new series YSL News’s The Essentials, stars reveal what inspires their lives, whether at home, on set, or traveling.

One rainy afternoon in Sonoma, California, a young Ada Limón found shelter under a tree.

She recalls her wonder at how the tree offered her protection, creating a “safe place.” This moment left a lasting impression, marking her first profound bond with nature as the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States, and the first Latina to hold this title.

“It’s been a gradual journey,” says the 2023 MacArthur Fellowship recipient. “While I’ve always had a connection to nature, I’ve also witnessed the damage we inflict on it.”

Her primary initiative as poet laureate, titled “You Are Here,” aims to show how poetry can bridge people to the natural world. Limón, who was recognized as a 2024 Time magazine Woman of the Year, has authored six poetry collections, deeply intertwining her passion for poetry and nature.

“I can’t guarantee it,” she notes, “but I hope my work will help others uncover something within themselves and find their own sense of freedom.”

Recently, Limón published two children’s books: “In Praise of Mystery” (available now) and “And, Too, the Fox” (set for release in 2025). Additionally, she penned a unique piece for NASA that was sent into space aboard the Europa Clipper mission this month.

Limón opens up about her essentials for reading, writing, and simply being in the world.

Ada Limón’s preferred writing tools

For Limón, the expression “bringing pen to paper” holds significant meaning.

“I primarily write by hand, using blank journals without lines. This gives me the freedom to create my own lines and even sketch rough doodles of the ideas swirling in my head. I usually write in black ink.”

“However, the most crucial tools we all need for writing are peace, security, and silence.”

Meditation and gratitude form the foundation of her daily routine, helping her stay grounded.

“I take a few deep breaths before I write, reflecting on my gratitude for the opportunity and honoring the craft itself; this is also a fundamental part of my writing practice.”

Embracing grief is integral to Ada Limón’s writing

Recurring themes in Limón’s poetry, particularly in works like “Bright Dead Things” and “The Carrying,” explore the intertwined nature of death, grief, love, and joy.

“In our society, we often bypass the grieving process,” she observes. “When you lose someone dear, you’re expected to return to your routine as if nothing happened. On a broader scale, we are conditioned to accept loss without proper acknowledgment.”

Ada Limón uses her poetry to express grief for lost moments, departed family members, and the inevitable loss of loved ones, as well as the shared sorrow of a nation in distress.

“I might compose a poem today about my stepmother who passed away in 2010 from colon cancer. Even years later, I still feel the need to honor her memory, acknowledge her existence, and celebrate her life. This feels crucial to me.”

Limón believes that grief carries its own essence. “It’s not merely about hiding the pain; it’s about acknowledging it, embracing it, and allowing it to make us more compassionate rather than bitter and enraged, which, I believe, is an easy road to take.”

Her pug’s snores provide the perfect writing background

What could be a better writing partner than a loving dog? “I love having my sweet dog by my side. When I hear her snoozing away, I know that I’m in a good flow and have been writing for a while.”

As the author of “Sharks in the Rivers,” Limón finds the sounds of nature to be vital. “Listening to the birds, noticing weather changes, and hearing the natural world is crucial because all of that influences my writing; it keeps the world vibrant and alive.”

Poems Ada Limón frequently revisits

• “One Art” by Elizabeth Bishop.
• “Never Alone” by Francisco X. Alarcón.
• “Waiting for Icarus” by Muriel Rukeyser.

Limón has also been engaging with a diverse array of poets, particularly noting her admiration for Palestinian poets. She’s been reading Fady Joudah’s upcoming poetry collection and Maya Abu Al-Hayyat’s “You Can Be the Last Leaf: Selected Poems.” “I’m consuming a wealth of brilliant poetry right now.”

How the poet laureate’s signature project elevates poetic voices

Limón sometimes forgets she’s “just one individual,” wishing she could take her initiative “You Are Here” to every national park across the nation.

“Unveiled during April’s National Poetry Month, “You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World” features two main components: a collection of 50 original nature-themed poems and a series of poetry installations in national parks designed to serve as public art. The last event will take place in December at Saguaro National Park, Arizona, showcasing a piece by Native American poet Ofelia Zepeda.

Through this project, she aims to “amplify additional poetic voices,” including those of renowned nature poet Mary Oliver and influential poets like Francisco X. Alarcón, June Jordan, and Lucille Clifton.

“It feels incredibly empowering for me to unite these poets with these beautiful parks.”