The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily

Today’s poem is Hiking Moraine State Park by Violeta Garcia-Mendoza. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem speaks to me because, at its heart, is a deep curiosity about the world—a desire to know more and more. It recognizes that sometimes we can use technology to be more connected to nature, not more disconnected from it.”Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp

Delve into the contemplative beauty of nature with a poignant poem that intertwines the ocean, moon, and personal reflections. The host highlights the original imagery and emotional depth found in the verses, encouraging multiple readings to unearth new meanings. Themes of wonder and the poet's inspiration guide the discussion, capturing the essence of creativity and imagination. This exploration of poetry serves as a reminder of the treasures found in both nature and language.

In this heartfelt discussion, the beauty of aging canine companions takes center stage. A touching poem by Silas House evokes memories of love and loss, as the host reflects on the emotional bond shared with old dogs. The conversation intertwines themes of grief, companionship, and the fleeting nature of time spent with our furry friends. Listeners are invited to celebrate these connections while embracing the power of poetry.

Delight in the wonders of nature takes center stage as the host shares her enthusiastic fascination with the world around her. From shouting out sightings of hawks to naming local albino squirrels, the joy of exploration and connection with the environment shines through. A reading of Catherine Pierce's poem reveals layers of awe and trepidation about Earth's beauty and fragility. The discussion encourages listeners to embrace their own emotional responses to the natural world without reservation.

Explore the challenge of staying in the present moment through the lens of poetry. The discussion highlights attention as an act of love, even amid life’s distractions. A reading of Susan Aizenberg's poem, Wind, Blue Sky, delves into the conflict between memory and presence. This meditation invites listeners to reflect on sensory experiences and the importance of gratitude for each moment. Celebrate the power of poetry and its ability to ground us amidst the noise.

Tenderness takes center stage as the need for connection and soft gestures is explored. The impact of caring touch between a mother and child is poignantly illustrated through a reading of a moving poem. In a world that often feels hard, the importance of nurturing relationships and shared experiences shines through. Listeners are reminded that in tough times, it’s essential to hold onto one another and embrace the soft places we create together.

Today’s poem is Parts of a Body House by Erika Meitner. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “It struck me recently how much technology has changed our relationships with our bodies. There are devices that tell us how well (or poorly) we slept the night before, how many steps we took in a given day, what our heart rate is when we work out. We have access to more data about our physical selves than ever, and we don’t even need to go to the doctor to get that data. We also have access to our own image more than ever before. I know that technology has made me more aware of my body and my face, because I see myself so often: on Zoom, on Facetime, in selfies.”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 Country Night by Laura Newbern. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem touched me because it made me think of my grandmother. It made me think of her care, but also about the life she had after her marriage ended. I know her life didn’t look the way she’d expected it would. I wish it had been easier. Still, she could whistle like a songbird.” 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 Song of Songs of Songs of Songs by Jeremy Radin. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem is one of my favorite kinds of poems—a list. And not any list, but a list of similes. This poet builds bridge after bridge, line after line. Don’t worry—I won’t give you homework, but maybe, just maybe, after listening to this poem, you’ll be inspired to make a list of your own. I wonder what bridges you might build.” 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 Rancho Bar by Margot Kahn. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem looks, tenderly, at two siblings attempting to close the distance between them. The poem is made even more poignant by the fact that its setting, a bar in California, has since burned down in a wildfire.” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp