The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily 1416: Nursery by Kiki Petrosino
Dec 19, 2025
A deep dive into the magic of childhood fairy tales captivates the listener. The host shares personal favorites, highlighting the inexplicable wonders that draw children in. The emotional power of these tales is explored, revealing both their enchanting and frightening aspects. A special reading of 'Nursery' by Kiki Petrosino adds layers of fairy-house imagery and strange transformations, blending the whimsical with the eerie. This reflection on poetry and life invites a celebration of the strange and beautiful.
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Childhood Fairy Tale Books
- Maggie Smith recounts loving two different fairy-tale books as a child, one worn and one richly illustrated.
- She describes how finding a copy years later felt magical and deeply personal.
Fairy Tales Mix Wonder And Danger
- Maggie Smith reflects that fairy tales matter because they make impossible things feel possible.
- She notes these stories blend wondrous transformations with real danger, making them thrilling and unsettling.
Reading: 'Nursery' By Kiki Petrosino
- Maggie Smith presents Kiki Petrosino's poem 'Nursery' and reads its opening image of tea taken on pebble seats in a fairy house.
- The poem narrates a strange visit where they escape alive but remain changed by a crystalline residue.
