So, so so grateful and honored to have been invited as Solstice MFA’s inaugural Spotlight Poet. The community was warm and welcoming, and José Angel Araguz’s introduction made me both laugh and tear up. These in-person readings feel precious, and were something I lost at the beginning of the pandemic.
I had the chance to read some older poems from my book as well as some newer ones from my near-finished manuscript, SAQI. This felt so magical and rare, and I would like to share it with you all. You will find me towards the end of the recording, but I encourage you to watch the much more accomplished writers before me as well.
Thank you again to Kundiman for nominating me, to the folks at Solstice, including Quintin Collins and Meg Kearney for your kindness and hospitality, and fellow readers and Solstice Faculty, Steven Huff, Desiree Cooper, and David Yoo. It was truly the biggest honor.
Adeeba Shahid Talukder 