The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily 1361: Earth, Sometimes I Try to Play It Casual, by Catherine Pierce
Sep 26, 2025
Delight in the wonders of nature takes center stage as the host shares her enthusiastic fascination with the world around her. From shouting out sightings of hawks to naming local albino squirrels, the joy of exploration and connection with the environment shines through. A reading of Catherine Pierce's poem reveals layers of awe and trepidation about Earth's beauty and fragility. The discussion encourages listeners to embrace their own emotional responses to the natural world without reservation.
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Episode notes
Delighting Openly In Nature
- Maggie Smith describes herself as a childlike marveler who gasps at clouds, the moon, and light through leaves.
- She even names neighborhood albino squirrels and books window seats to keep watching the sky.
Wearing Wonder Publicly
- Maggie argues delight in nature is honest and worth sharing rather than playing it cool.
- She frames public wonder as a genuine practice of attention and belonging to the world.
Trying To Act Casual About Earth
- The poem speaker tries to act casual about Earth but cannot because awe keeps interrupting daily life.
- She admits to letting laundry and laptops stand in for truth to protect herself from terror and beauty.