The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily 1386: Night of the Living, Night of the Dead by Kim Addonizio
Oct 31, 2025
In this thought-provoking discussion, a witty love for zombie movies sparks a reflection on how they depict death and fear. The exploration centers around Kim Addonizio's poem, which delves into the behavior of cinematic zombies, from shambling figures to their menacing persistence. The conversation offers insights into how poetry can provide solace and meaning, especially in tough times, all while celebrating the eerie charm of Halloween. Enjoy the blend of poetry and movie magic!
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Host's Zombie-Movie Confession
- Maggie Smith confesses she loves zombie movies and names favorites like Train to Busan and 28 Days Later.
- She contrasts fast zombies with slow Romero-style ones and explains why both appeal to her.
Fear From Persistence, Not Gore
- Maggie observes that slow zombies are scary despite being clumsy and gray in black-and-white films.
- She notes the dread comes from their uncontainable persistence rather than graphic gore.
Zombies as Weariness and Loss
- Kim Addonizio's poem reframes movie zombies as tired beings who just want to lie down and stop remembering.
- The poem links undead motion to erasure of identity and repetitive annihilation by the living.