The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
American Public Media
Host Maggie Smith is your daily poetry companion. Poetry is one of the greatest tools we have to wield our own attention — to consider our own lives and the lives of others, to help us live creatively and compassionately, to use that attention to lean into wonder, and joy, and truth, and to find hope — to keep hoping. The Slowdown community knows that reflecting on a poem, every weekday, can connect us to our inner world and the world around us. Listen as you make your morning coffee, as you go on a walk in your neighborhood, as you pull away from the to-do list, as you resist the dismal, endless scroll to share five minutes of perspective through the lens of poetry, from poets old and new, well-loved and emerging onto the scene. Brought to you by American Public Media, in partnership with the Poetry Foundation.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 16, 2025 • 6min
1274: Ennui by Luis G. Dato
Today’s poem is Ennui by Luis G. Dato. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Today’s poem critiques the relentless, psychic demands of an inscrutable world, yet, too, encourages a side-ways road to tranquility, a way that we might secure a meaningful freedom.” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp
Jan 15, 2025 • 6min
1273: Sorrow Ghazal by Mary Elder Jacobsen
Today’s poem is Sorrow Ghazal by Mary Elder Jacobsen. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Today’s poem is a loving exchange that underscores the importance of giving room for what makes those we love different from us, even if we wish to change them.” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp
Jan 14, 2025 • 6min
1272: The Paper Nautilus by Marianne Moore
Discover the joy of poetry as an exhilarating journey, akin to a roller coaster ride. Embrace the ambiguity and thrill of exploring personal interpretations. Delve into the rich metaphors of creativity within poetry, highlighting the symbolism found in Marianne Moore's 'The Paper Nautilus.' Explore how the argonaut represents resilience and the shared experience of artistry that enriches collective wisdom.
Jan 13, 2025 • 6min
1271: Refuge by Nehassaiu deGannes
Today’s poem is Refuge by Nehassaiu deGannes. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Today’s formally rich poem positions gardening as a powerful means of holding on to one’s culture, to one’s culinary identity in a new land.”Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp
Jan 10, 2025 • 5min
1270: The Gift to Sing by James Weldon Johnson
Today’s poem is The Gift to Sing by James Weldon Johnson. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “For those of us who want to hold onto the light as long as we can, we make sure to embrace more than the material comforts — we can make sure to surround ourselves with family, friends and song.” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp
Jan 9, 2025 • 6min
1269: Grace by Orlando Ricardo Menes
Today’s discussion revolves around a touching poem centered on the theme of grace. It emphasizes the idea that grace is a universal gift that everyone deserves. A personal story highlights the emotional impact of misidentification at a writer's conference, showcasing the need for empathy. The transformative power of grace is explored, advocating for compassion and forgiveness over moral superiority. Overall, the conversation celebrates the deep connections poetry can spark in our lives.
Jan 8, 2025 • 5min
1268: The Pacific by Jennifer Jean
Dive into a journey of resilience as the narrator reflects on their grandparents overcoming hardship. The poem 'The Pacific' beautifully encapsulates the miraculous nature of existence, emphasizing love and natural beauty despite adversity. The conversation celebrates the indomitable human spirit and the power of poetry to inspire hope and appreciation for life's simple wonders.
Jan 7, 2025 • 5min
1267: What the Body Gives Away by Saba Keramati
Delve into the fascinating interplay between poetry and emotion, as today's featured poem highlights the connection between bodily awareness and sensory experiences. Reflect on how our senses are intertwined with personal adventures and relationships. The discussion encourages a deeper intuition and presence in everyday life, emphasizing the importance of being aware of what our bodies communicate. Discover how poetry can elevate our understanding of our feelings and enhance our experiences.
Jan 6, 2025 • 5min
1266: Echo by Christina Rossetti
This episode explores the deep bond we share with beloved pets and the pain of losing them. It highlights the intricate dance between grief and creativity, showcasing how sorrow can inspire artistic expression. Through a reading of Christina Rossetti's poem 'Echo,' the discussion emphasizes the enduring power of love and memory. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences of loss and the hope of reuniting with what was once cherished.
Jan 3, 2025 • 6min
[encore] 1006: Something Sweet by Hannah Lowe
Hannah Lowe's poem explores the delicate balance of sweetness and bitterness in life. It reveals how even little joys can lift us during tough times. A heartwarming story involving a cheerful child showcases the magic of small moments. The discussion dives deep into emotional awakening, emphasizing beauty and connection amidst struggles. Overall, it celebrates the power of poetry to awaken our senses and remind us of the sweetness in existence.
