Using poetry to understand the world around us

While we rely on our senses to tell us what the world is all about, sometimes they give us false information, said Lawrence Diggs, a poet, animator and composer from Roslyn, South Dakota. At this week’s Deep Talks: Deep Poets Society, Diggs will present animated poetry as a way to express basic ideas and science discoveries.

“I am really jazzed about the opportunity to present short movies that can get people interested in what is happening at Sanford Lab,” Diggs said. “I hope to begin a conversation that could challenge our perception of reality and serve as a launch pad to discuss the research being done at Sanford Lab. Often, people feel science is inaccessible—and it can be. But I use poetry, music and animations to express some of the basic ideas and discoveries that seem complicated to many people and show that science can be exciting and fun.”

As a South Dakota Humanities Scholar, Diggs writes, performs and teaches music and poetry in schools across the state. In his presentations, he attempts to attach what a student needs to know to something they want to know.

“Most of my most influential teachers taught me to teach myself,” Diggs said. “I lean toward helping students learn through self-discovery, experience and personal struggle—to engage them in their own development. I believe poetry can be a tool to accomplish these goals.”

An author of six books, Diggs also teaches poetry for the South Dakota Department of Corrections, which led to the creation of “Prose and Cons,” a compilation of poems written by inmates.

“Communication connects humans. Poetry, in its spoken or written form, allows for a freedom of expression that is largely absent in other forms of communication,” Diggs said.

Diggs serves on the board of directors of the South Dakota State Poetry Society; is a regular columnist for the Aberdeen American News; coordinates and hosts a monthly “Gathering of Poets” in Watertown, South Dakota; emcees Arts Night at the Pub in Watertown, South Dakota; and was selected as one of 50 artists to watch in the state. 

Diggs also founded and was the curator of the International Vinegar Museum in Roslyn.

As part of the Deep Poets Society event, Sanford Lab is inviting people to submit poems that express their love for deep science.

“Our universe is full of wonder. Poetry is just another vehicle to help us understand our world and communicate about science to a larger audience,” said Constance Walter, communications director. “I’m hoping we have lots of submissions.”

Participants are welcome to read their poems after Digg’s presentation; some poems may be included in our Deep Thoughts newsletter. You may submit up to three science-themed poems. Send your submissions to cwalter@sanfordlab.org, or bring them to the event.

Deep Talks takes place Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, 160 W. Main, Lead, South Dakota. It begins at 5 p.m. with a social hour; the talk begins at 6 p.m. Free beer from Crow Peak Brewing Company in Spearfish is available for those 21 and older.

Deep Talks: Deep Poets Society was made possible by the South Dakota Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. February’s Deep Talks is sponsored by Sanford Lab, Crow Peak Brewing Company of Spearfish and Northern Hills Federal Credit Union of Deadwood.