The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily 1390: The Poem Climbs the Scaffold and Tells You What It Sees by Natasha Oladokun
Nov 6, 2025
Today’s poem dives into the profound impact of naming and the hidden histories tied to places like Lynchburg. Once recognized, these violent legacies linger in our minds. The reading of Natasha Oladokun’s work reveals a unique perspective on these themes and their resonance in locations like Charlottesville. It’s a captivating exploration of how poetry can illuminate uncomfortable truths and reshape our understanding of the world.
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Road Names As Personal Memory
- Maggie describes driving down oddly named roads like Go Down Road and Seldom Seen as small, personal observations.
- She uses these place-name memories to introduce the heavier history behind names like Lynchburg.
The Power Hidden In Place Names
- Maggie asserts that naming holds power and can reveal hidden violence embedded in everyday language.
- Seeing the origin of 'Lynchburg' changes how you perceive that name and its history.
A Drive That Becomes a Meditation
- Natasha Oladokun narrates driving Old Lynchburg Road at dusk while contemplating the word 'lynch' and its origins.
- The poem weaves personal hunger, loneliness, and the scaffold metaphor into a reflection on naming and violence.