

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 2, 2025 • 6min
[encore] 964: abundance of light by erica lewis
A whimsical poetry tour encounters the ghost of Betsy Ross, blending humor with nostalgia. The poets share moments of chaos, highlighting resilience through language. Themes of grief and personal loss intertwine with childhood memories, reflecting on the emotional journeys that resonate with societal experiences. The episode beautifully captures the transformative power of poetry, encouraging listeners to embrace both the light and shadows of life.

Jan 1, 2025 • 6min
[encore] 1032: Counting, This New Year’s Morning, What Powers Yet Remain To Me by Jane Hirshfield
Reflect on the past year and discover the power of community in overcoming challenges. The speaker shares poignant insights while celebrating the importance of attention and joy. As the new year dawns, find inspiration in the continuity of joy amidst life's ups and downs. Embrace nature and personal rituals to uncover beauty and hope in everyday moments. This reflection encourages listeners to welcome change with resilience and positivity.

Dec 31, 2024 • 5min
[encore] 1184: End of December by Ashjan Hendi, translated by Moneera Al-Ghadeer
Explore the emotional rollercoaster of relationships, navigating the joys of summer weddings and the loneliness of winter. Delve into the intricate balance of love and moderation in marriage, where too much affection can lead to exhaustion. The episode offers poetic reflections on the complexities of commitment and the need for support through life's ups and downs. Discover how restraint may hold the key to lasting partnerships and the hidden secrets to successfully weathering love's challenges.

Dec 30, 2024 • 6min
[encore] 845: Dear Future Me (#12) by Lena Moses-Schmitt
Diving into the transformative power of poetry, the discussion likens it to a cinematic journey, illuminating its role as both reflection and expression. The heartfelt reading of Lena Moses-Schmitt's poem captures the struggle with time, distractions, and future hopes. Emotions and fears during the holidays are explored, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences, particularly through food and gatherings. Ultimately, the conversation celebrates poetry as a time capsule, offering deep connections to past, present, and future.

Dec 27, 2024 • 6min
[encore] 1026: Ode to Bones by Lynne Thompson
Explore the deep connection between childhood nicknames and personal identity. The poignant reflections reveal how 'Little Man' shaped the speaker's journey into adulthood. There's a beautiful examination of names and their ties to heritage, illustrating how they influence our destiny. Rich imagery and cultural references enhance the narrative, emphasizing the lasting impact of familial perceptions. Celebrate the power of poetry as it serves as a conduit for introspection and growth.

Dec 26, 2024 • 5min
[encore] 908: After the Farm was Sold to FedEx by Carlie Hoffman
Dive into the intricate dance of nostalgia and its bittersweet embrace of the past. The poem reflects on how fond memories shape our modern emotions and societal dynamics. It explores familial connections while acknowledging the relentless passage of time. A thought-provoking journey that reveals how our yearning for simpler days often contrasts with the complexity of present realities.

Dec 25, 2024 • 5min
[encore] 1122: Childhood by David Baker
Dive into the nostalgia of childhood captured through vivid imagery and metaphor. Explore how the poem juxtaposes the warmth and chill of winter, evoking shared memories with a focus on the color blue. Discover the power of extended conceit in poetry, likening it to the strategy involved in basketball, and how this device articulates complex emotions beautifully. It's a reflective journey that celebrates the nuances of our formative years.

Dec 24, 2024 • 6min
[encore] 1022: Two Shadows by Maurice Manning
Explore the intimate connection between family and poetry as the speaker prepares for a holiday gathering. Reflect on the bond with a daughter and the anticipation of her experiences. The poem evokes imagery of love and support during life's storms, highlighting how parents nurture their children through uncertainties. A blend of personal stories and poetic reflections illuminates the beauty of guiding future generations.

Dec 23, 2024 • 5min
[encore] 1163: Voice Clear As by Kemi Alabi
Explore a fresh take on the concept of heaven, as the discussion shifts from traditional depictions to more inclusive visions. Delve into how these personal aspirations can inspire meaningful change in today's world. The conversation intertwines poetry with themes of environmentalism, love, and self-expression, inviting listeners to reimagine paradise in a more realistic and actionable way. Discover how art and reflection can reshape our understanding of ascension.

Dec 20, 2024 • 5min
1265: Gorgon Loves Googie's by Rebecca Morgan Frank
Dive into the captivating world of poetry that connects ancient myths with modern longing. Explore a family's journey to New Grange, reflecting on the awe of historical sites. Discover how the symbolism of the winter solstice intertwines with themes of desire and fulfillment. This rich tapestry of past and future inspires us to renew our understanding of timeless tales. Poetry becomes a powerful lens for appreciating both the unfulfilled and the aspirations of our lives.