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
Feb 3, 2025 • 5min
1286: Reasons to Live by Ruth Awad
Today’s poem is Reasons to Live by Ruth Awad. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Maggie Smith writes… “I know hope can be a tough sell when there’s so much suffering in the world. It’s easier to notice what’s wrong with the world instead of what’s right. But in especially difficult times, we have to look harder for the light. It’s there. Even if it’s small, or flickering, or hard to see from a distance, the light is always there.” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp
Jan 31, 2025 • 6min
1285: It Too Remains by Glyn Maxwell
Today’s poem is It Too Remains by Glyn Maxwell. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Though spoken to a single person, today’s elegiac poem makes a universal claim about loss; our hearts, mind, and bodies and the memories within render permanent, even conjure, those we once loved on this side of life.” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp
Jan 30, 2025 • 6min
1284: When You Rise from the Dead I Drive You to the After Party by Melissa Studdard
Today’s poem is When You Rise from the Dead I Drive You to the After Party by Melissa Studdard. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “I think my group chats are the best group chats. We hit each other up every day, give verbal daps, check-in on family, share progress videos of workouts. We pass on new drafts of poems with no pressure to give feedback (but, of course, we do). Or we simply say, “Good morning.” When birthdays roll around, we make sure each feels the love. On our phones, we are royalty.” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp
Jan 29, 2025 • 5min
1283: A Sword Shall Pierce Your Heart by Pádraig Ó Tuama
Today's featured poem dives deep into the emotional impact of connection and communication. The speaker reflects on the strength and joy found in group chats that foster relationships and support. It highlights the beauty of sharing both mundane moments and creative pursuits among friends. Also explored is the delicate balance between wild imagination and structured creativity in poetry, culminating in a heartwarming tribute to motherhood and its influence.
Jan 28, 2025 • 6min
1282: Third Week of Ramadan by Sahar Romani
Today’s poem is Third Week of Ramadan by Sahar Romani. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Today’s poem banishes any doubt that this is all a precious journey. It is a poem that points to a holy rite practiced the world over whose aim is purification and renewal.” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp
11 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 6min
1281: I Want to Die by Tariq Luthun
A candid discussion about fears takes place amid a meal, revealing deep emotions surrounding loneliness and connection. The poem reflects on the tension between joy and oblivion, encapsulating the speaker's struggle between happiness and despair. Rich imagery invites listeners to explore the complex relationship between love, loss, and the transient nature of life, prompting a contemplation on how fleeting moments shape our experiences. Ultimately, it highlights the crucial need for relationships in a chaotic world.
Jan 24, 2025 • 6min
1280: If by Imtiaz Dharker
Imtiaz Dharker's poem 'If' inspires a deeper awareness of our shared humanity in these challenging times. The discussion highlights Nashville's rich music culture, revealing both the charm of Southern hospitality and the occasional rudeness found in community interactions. The need for kindness emerges powerfully, showcasing poetry as a remedy for societal decay and a tool to cultivate compassion. Through reflections and poetic insights, a call to appreciate the present moment resonates, urging listeners to embrace kindness.
Jan 23, 2025 • 6min
1279: Ode to My Mama and “The Purple Dress,” circa 1992-1993 by Brittany Rogers
Dive into a poignant exploration of nostalgia and identity. A reflection on college days reveals the beauty in black and white photography and treasured friendships. The speaker shares childhood memories captured through photos, highlighting the complexities of self-image shaped by maternal love. The journey from insecurity to confidence unfolds through the lens of growth, allowing a deeper look at the duality of motherhood and personal narratives. It's a heartfelt tribute to the past and the moments that define us.
Jan 22, 2025 • 5min
1278: things people like to share: by Nuar Alsadir
This whimsical poem dives into the intriguing balance between what we love to share and what we prefer to keep close. It examines the unexpected consequences of a simple compliment and its effects on generosity. The discussion uncovers the cultural nuances of gift-giving and the pressures of sharing in creative circles. With a minimalist approach, it invites listeners to ponder their personal boundaries and the complexities of intimacy in relationships.
Jan 21, 2025 • 6min
1277: Self-Portrait as Kendrick Lamar, Laughing to the Bank by Ashanti Anderson
A vibrant discussion unfolds around the power of poetry in pop culture, highlighted by a virtual gathering of poets inspired by Taylor Swift. The connection between hip-hop and poetry is explored deeply, reflecting on how musicians shape literary narratives. A self-portrait poem takes center stage, delving into themes of laughter and trauma, revealing the profound human experience behind the art. Wit and insinuation emerge as essential elements, showcasing the dynamic relationship between these creative fields.
