On a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, bestselling author Kwame Alexander made a captivating appearance. Known for his impressive collection of 42 books, including those for both children and adults, Alexander has earned accolades such as the Newberry Medal and an Emmy Award. His latest book, titled “How Sweet the Sound,” is set to be released soon.
During the interview, Colbert expressed his admiration for poets, describing them as artists who paint pictures with their words. He asked Alexander about his early connection to poetry, and the author humorously shared a childhood anecdote. Alexander recalled being three years old and living on the upper west side of Manhattan, where his mother read to him every day from renowned poets such as Lucille Clifton, Nikki Giovanni, and Langston Hughes. However, his favorite book at the time was a simple one that involved rhymes and repetition.
Alexander recounted a moment at preschool when another child knocked over his wooden block castle. Seeking revenge, he cleverly used his blocks to spell out a retaliatory message. Colbert was enthralled by the story, amused by Alexander’s cunning and sharp wit even at such a young age. The author’s mother, upon hearing about her son’s way with words, was proud, demonstrating how his love for poetry began to shape his life.
Colbert then delved into Alexander’s extensive bibliography, highlighting that “How Sweet the Sound” is his 42nd book. The late-night host wondered if Alexander made any adjustments when writing books for children as opposed to a general audience. Alexander responded that he writes books he would have wanted to read himself as a child and now as an adult. He believes in enhancing and elevating the imagination of children through his words, as he believes that the mind of an adult begins in the imagination of a child.
The conversation turned toward Alexander’s book, which he describes as a love letter to music. He believes that music has the power to heal, provide hope, and offer a world of possibilities. Drawing parallels between his books and music, Alexander discussed the relationship between poetry and lyrics, referring to them as “kissing cousins.” While lyrics require musicians to bring them to life, poetry encompasses the entire band – it relies solely on the words themselves. Although Alexander admitted he has attempted to write lyrics, he acknowledged that it is a different art form, requiring a unique skill set.
Colbert then introduced an emotional moment into the conversation by mentioning the recent passing of Nikki Giovanni, a poet who was once Alexander’s mentor. Alexander expressed his deep gratitude for Giovanni, describing how they first became close during his time as her student at Virginia Tech in 1987. Despite an initial disagreement over his poetry grade, their relationship blossomed into a cherished friendship that spanned over 37 years.
As the interview drew to a close, Colbert offered Alexander an opportunity to share some of Giovanni’s words that resonated with him. With the Late Show band accompanying him, Alexander recited a poignant passage from Giovanni’s cookbook, “Stealing Life with Apron.” The evocative lines painted a picture of connection, sensuality, and vulnerability, leaving the audience moved by the power of her words.
In conclusion, Kwame Alexander‘s appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was a captivating exploration of his love for poetry, his creative process, and his appreciation for his mentor Nikki Giovanni. With his latest book, “How Sweet the Sound,” set to be released, Alexander continues to inspire readers of all ages with his meaningful and imaginative storytelling.
