THE FUTURE HAS ITS HAND RAISED

sometimes it is hard to teach poetry. We can love a poem and stand in front of a class and expound on its delights while the whole class is looking at us while we’re jumping up and down with excitement and they think it is as boring as dishwashing liquid or salt.”

Limón’s passion for poetry began in a bookshop in her hometown of Sonoma, Calif. Countless hours passed as Limón skimmed through poetry book after poetry book, waiting until she found a poem that “hit.” A poem that “hits,” as Limón refers to it, speaks to the reader directly.

It is art doing its job — connecting the viewer or reader to something unearthly in a memorable manner. The solace Limón found grazing through the bookshelves and silently reading behind the counter inspired a lifetime of storytelling.

“This was the quiet bookstore I worked in, and on hot summer days when no one was out on the plaza, I was left alone with poems,” Limón said.

With heartfelt and realistic words, Limón encouraged the audience to explore complexities found in everyday life.

“Poetry is a way of connecting to the Earth, to the tree, to the stock of goldenrod rogue and blooming between two roses by the post office.” Limón said. “Poetry is an argument not just for our survival, but for our flourishing. We need poetry to remind us to feel, to love, to grieve. Perhaps an argument for poetry is an argument for our humanity.”

Limón reminded the audience of how we can become numb in a society full of hardship and loss. As she does in her writing, she touched on relevant issues and events.

“When careening from one crisis to another, whether it’s the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, a new racialized violence, a new climate catastrophe, each moment we often subvert our feelings in order to just get through the day,” Limón said.

As the lecture neared its end, Limón read a few of her poems, such as “Dead Stars” and “Heart on Fire.” Her work explored themes of love, grief and the human condition.

Limón closed her lecture by offering a rather ambiguous statement for the reader to consider. One that evoked questions, but also promoted a special peace of mind.

“I love poems because ‘What even are they?’ And sometimes, a poem makes me say, ‘Wow, I love life, because what even is it?,’” Limón said.

Since returning to campus fromSuper Bowl LVII has finally arrived. Taking place at the State Farm Arena in Glendale, Ariz., this year’s Super Bowl matchup is between two No. 1 seeds: the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams have looked dominant this year and it looks like we’re in for a good show. The DM sports desk shares their predictions for the game this Sunday.

Aidan Gallardo

Final Score Prediction: Chiefs 27, Eagles 24

Have the Eagles finally met their match? After a good old fashioned beat down on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship, you would think that I’d be picking Philly in this game. I mean, that’s what the majority of the world is picking. But you have to think that the game would’ve been much closer if Brock Purdy didn’t get hurt. I’m not saying the Eagles would’ve lost that game but are they really as dominant as they look?

Their defense is topnotch and Jalen Hurts’ connection with A.J. Brown has emerged as one of the best quarterback-receiver combos in the NFL.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned after watching football over these past few years, it’s to never count out Patrick Mahomes. No matter how bad the game can be going, Mahomes somehow finds a way to win. Sure, the Cincinnati Bengals could’ve easily beat them in the AFC Championship if it weren’t for some questionable calls by the officials. But in the end, the Chiefs came away with the victory.

The Super Bowl will be neck-and-neck throughout all four quarters, but in the end, I believe that it will come