Athena Kashyap is the author of two exquisite books of poetry, Crossing Black Waters and Sita’s Choice. In this episode, host Tanya Shaffer talks with her about her writing process and the mysteries of courting the muse. They also discuss some of the themes Athena explores in her books, including the immigrant experience, the push and pull between freedom and responsibility, and women’s particular suffering, desires, and joys, in India and beyond. She also reads three of her gorgeous poems, including the one the episode is named for!

Special thanks to Gwynneth VanLaven for editorial assistance on this episode.