The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily 1370: Soot by Kaveh Akbar
Oct 9, 2025
In this thought-provoking discussion, existential questions about origins and the soul take center stage. The host reflects on her journey from church to a broader acceptance of diverse beliefs, shaped by friendships. Poetry emerges as a powerful medium for exploring God and loss, with one poem likening God to rust. The idea of being 'God-curious' is emphasized, showcasing how poetry can inspire deep reflection without requiring answers. Tune in for a captivating reading of 'Soot' by Kaveh Akbar, which delves into these themes.
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Physical Facts vs. Soulful Questions
- Maggie Smith reflects that biological answers (birth, death) don't explain the soul or purpose.
- She suggests curiosity about the soul persists despite understanding physical facts.
Leaving Church, Growing Open
- Maggie shares that she attended church as a child and left as a teenager because it didn't align with her values.
- She describes growing softer and more open to diverse viewpoints as she ages.
Poetry As Questioning Practice
- Exposure to friends across faiths broadened Maggie's perspective and curiosity about God.
- She frames her poems as posing existential questions rather than providing answers.