The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily 1402: Gloria Mundi by Michael Kleber-Diggs
Nov 24, 2025
In a heartfelt reflection, Maggie Smith shares her unique funeral playlist, viewing it as a celebration rather than a morbid affair. She highlights how songs encapsulate memories and stages of her life, hoping they spark stories at her memorial. The discussion leads into a poignant poem, Gloria Mundi, which explores the delicate balance between celebration and sorrow in the context of loss. It's a beautiful reminder of how poetry can bridge our experiences and emotions.
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Episode notes
Funeral Playlist As Personal Ritual
- Maggie Smith describes keeping a funeral playlist she tweaks over time as a personal ritual.
- She treats her funeral as the last party she'll throw and imagines being there in spirit.
Music As A Time Capsule
- Maggie links key life memories to specific songs and eras from middle school through adulthood.
- She explains music acts as a time capsule that transports listeners to moments and people.
Poem Frames A Thoughtful Goodbye
- The poem's speaker imagines loved ones attending their funeral with specific directives and requests.
- Maggie returns to this poem repeatedly because it captures how to honor life with intention and tenderness.