Today’s poem is To Be Longing by Elizabeth Willis. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… "Today’s poem explores the situation of writing ourselves out of fixed meanings that confine us to labels, to disempowering social and political realities." 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 Love Language by Angela Narciso Torres. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Why do we need to know how much we are loved? In a way, aren’t we asking how thick is the shield of affection that protects us from the world, maybe even from ourselves?” 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 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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.