The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily

Dive into the world of forbidden love as classic poetry sheds light on the clash between personal desires and societal norms. Discover how John Donne's work celebrates love as a fundamental human freedom. The discussion explores love's transformative power, uniting people spiritually and physically, while poetic imagery suggests love's immortality through art. Tune in for a reflection on love’s essential role in our existence and its ability to inspire a fuller life.

The discussion revolves around the poem 'On Living' by Nâzim Hikmet, emphasizing the beauty in everyday moments. It captures the vivid imagery of nature and fleeting joys, contrasting them with personal struggles. The speaker reflects on how joy can emerge unexpectedly, even when life feels weighed down by challenges. The exploration of hope and the emotional complexity of living is both poignant and uplifting, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.

Dive into a heartfelt exploration of the ocean's mysteries through poetry. Enjoy a whale-watching experience filled with humor and anticipation, culminating in a breathtaking encounter. Reflect on the poignant song of the solitary 52 Blue whale, symbolizing deep longing and the struggle for connection. This poetic journey intertwines nature and love, inviting listeners to ponder the depths of existence.

The poem explores the nostalgia of family gatherings, especially for an introverted kid who now cherishes these moments. It highlights the contrast between loneliness and the warmth found in familial love. The speaker reflects on the joyful chaos of holiday rituals, finding deeper meaning in connections with loved ones. They evoke the festive atmosphere of a farmer's market, symbolizing emotional nourishment and the longing for meaningful interactions. It’s a celebration of togetherness and the value of shared blessings.

Dive into the profound relationship between music and personal memories, where even simple audio setups can create impactful experiences. Discover the intimate act of two sisters braiding hair, illustrating the beauty of shared moments. The conversation also highlights the nuances of improvisational music, showcasing how intentional discordance can resonate deeply. Celebrate the power of poetry as it captures life's fleeting connections and invites us to truly listen.

Today’s poem is A Garden and a Street by Teresa Cader. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Poetry holds that place of both awakening and frustration, of perseverance against unimaginable violence and the flight away from the pains of our fragile world. Someday the bombs will stop falling. Someday the rhetoric of hatred will not have an audience. Isn’t this something that we all should work toward? Until then, so says the speaker in today’s poem, we must find a way to restore ourselves to a place of harmonious connection with and belief in all life.” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp

Today’s poem is Big Purple Peonies by Margaret Ross. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Today’s deeply satisfying poem arrives from an exacting eye. The poet’s kinetic imagination and mental roaming feel gorgeously reportorial and cinematic, mapping self-reflection through their portrayal of vibrant landscapes.” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp

Explore the intricate relationship between personal experience and the landscapes we inhabit. The host reflects on their unique perspective from a hill overlooking a bustling valley, contemplating how technology alters our understanding of place. The reading of Louise Glück's poem 'Telescope' invites listeners to dive deeper into themes of perception and existence, blending the physical world with individual awareness.

Today’s poem is Poem (“Instant coffee with…”) by Frank O'Hara. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes… “Loren was the person I knew in New York who was the same kind of lost as me. There is a magic to how we find each other when we need each other. It seems like our souls sort of… orbit until they reach out. They land. They find ground and we find a friend, even if it’s temporary.” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp

Today’s poem is Waiting for the Annular Eclipse by Rhoni Blankenhorn. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes… “Rock bottom is a funny place. If anyone has been there, then I suppose we all end up in our own rock bottom at some point. The truth about nothing ever ending, nothing ever being final, is that things will be the same again, too. Just not all at the same time, in the same way. You’ll find a new rock bottom. And, a new way out.” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp