How to Live Your Life Poetically with Charlotte Ward
An Inspirational Conversation with Malibu Poet Laureate
What does it mean to truly live a life in poetry?
For Charlotte Ward, Malibu’s 6th Poet Laureate, poetry isn’t just about putting pen to paper—it’s fundamental to her life, and her health.
In a recent episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, Malibu Poet Laureate Emeritus Nathan Hassall, sat down with Charlotte at her canyon home, Meteoros, to discuss her journey from a childhood on an East Tennessee farm to her current role as a steward of the Malibu creative community.
Charlotte’s story begins with an uncle who quoted Byron and Shakespeare to his mules while plowing summer fields. That early immersion in the music of language stayed with her, eventually evolving into a unique "peer-reviewed" approach to her own work.
A fascinating takeaway from the interview is Charlotte’s commitment to accuracy; she frequently consults with family members in the sciences—including a NASA physicist—to ensure her metaphors are as factually grounded as they are emotionally resonant.
We chatted about how to live and perceive the world poetically, where she grew up, how it was a dream come true for her to become Malibu Poet Laureate, and how her book, Atmosphere: Infinite Malibu, co-created with her son, professional photographer and composer, Chris Ward, came to be.
Atmosphere: Infinite Malibu
Atmosphere: Infinite Malibu is a stunning celebration of Malibu, and includes poems written by Charlotte, placed harmoniously with Chris’ photography that capture the many weather-moods of the city—including panoramic sunsets, mist shrouds, and fierce storms. It also includes astral photography: stunning images of the moon and nebulae, which have served to continue to deepen my wonder with all things.
Atmosphere: Infinite Malibu is available for purchase at the link below.
Atmosphere: Infinite Malibu
Hardcover photography book of sublime poetry and nature photographs centered on Malibu over vast expanses of Pacific throughout the day and night by award-winning poet and photographer Charlotte and Christopher Ward.
Order on Amazon →The Science of the "Gift Poem"
The conversation dives deep into the "Theta state"—that early morning window of insight where poems seem to fall into the mind as a "special delivery." Charlotte and Nathan explore how poetry acts as a "vessel" for the unconscious, requiring us to be present enough to catch the lines before they "go back home."
Why Poetry Matters Now
Beyond the craft, Charlotte argues that poetry is a biological necessity. Citing the rhythmic nature of the art form, she discusses how poetic response can actually trigger positive health markers in the body. Whether it is resisting the "platitude" or finding communion with the "atmospheric rivers" of Malibu, poetry offers a way to remain "vibrant and cyclical" in a linear world.
Watch the Full Episode - Live Now!
To learn more about Charlotte’s poetry journey, click to watch the full episode below.
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