"Letter to My Body" by Joy Ladin, A Poetry Film by Elyse Kelly @onbeing

Uploaded October 2020 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago

"Letter to My Body" by Joy Ladin is part of our “Poetry Films” series, which features animated interpretations of beloved poems from our archive. Check out the full series here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqjezunjhSykPh49Lg8CWHULQ6_JWp5A8

We know poetry to be a critical pillar of public life. It rises up when official language fails us. And it gives voice to what is human and what is true, how we connect and what questions we hold.

Poetry has moved to the heart of what we offer on the radio and in podcasts, which is why we’re excited to have partnered with talented illustrators, animators, and directors to reimagine poetry in visual, dynamic ways.

This poem was originally read in the On Being episode with Joy Ladin , “Finding a Home in Yourself”: onbeing.org/programs/joy-ladin-finding-a-home-in-yourself

You can listen to and read the poem here: onbeing.org/poetry/letter-to-my-body

Direction by Elyse Kelly (elysekelly.com/)
Illustration and Animation by Ala Nunu Leszyńska (vimeo.com/alanunu)
Music by Brooke Blair and Will Blair (blairbrothersmusic.com/)
Sound Design and Mix by Chris Mastellone (chrismastellone.com/)

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Letter to My Body by Joy Ladin, A Poetry Film by Elyse Kelly

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