The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily 1408: Noah's Nameless Wife Takes Inventory by C.T. Salazar
Dec 2, 2025
In a powerful reflection, Maggie Smith explores how women in stories are often sidelined and unnamed, with a focus on Noah's wife in the Ark tale. She discusses how this anonymity underscores larger themes of identity and respect. The episode features a poignant reading of C.T. Salazar's poem, which gives voice to Noah's wife as she takes inventory of her life and fears, highlighting the often-unseen narratives of women. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing all characters in the fabric of storytelling.
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Unwanted Mail, Lost Identity
- Maggie Smith describes getting mail addressed as Mrs. followed by her husband's name and how it felt like being an accessory to someone else's life.
- She mentions she didn't change her last name and preferred being called Maggie or Ms. Smith to retain her identity.
Naming Signals Who Matters
- Maggie Smith observes that who gets named in stories signals who the main characters are and who matters socially.
- She uses unnamed wives in familiar tales to show how naming confers power and respect.
Noah's Wife, Nameless In The Story
- Maggie Smith recalls the biblical story of Noah where the four wives on the ark remain unnamed and are identified only by their husbands.
- She imagines Noah's wife reacting to a card addressed as "Noah's wife," highlighting erasure in familiar narratives.
