The Slowdown

The Slowdown
A poem and a moment of reflection every weekday.

“A true break from the cacophony of life.”

- Alice Florence Orr from Podcast Review
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Latest Episode

February 3, 2026 3:00 AM
1448: Orchestra by Russell Brakefield
The Slowdown
Photo by: Chad Cochran
The Slowdown

Recent Episodes

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20260203 Slowdown Russell Brakefield

1448: Orchestra by Russell Brakefield

February 3, 2026

Today’s poem is Orchestra by Russell Brakefield.

20260202 Slowdown Cornelius Eady

1447: Gratitude by Cornelius Eady

February 2, 2026

Today’s poem is Gratitude by Cornelius Eady.

20260130 Slowdown Christle

1446: Mistake by Heather Christle

January 30, 2026

Today’s poem is Mistake by Heather Christle.

The Slowdown

Get a poem handpicked by Maggie Smith every weekday. The email includes an abridged version of Maggie’s introduction.

Announcements

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Major Jackson Profile Photo 3

A Farewell to Major Jackson

After two years, two seasons and 443 episodes, Major Jackson is stepping down from the host chair.

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Supported in Part by National Endowment for the Arts

To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.

Poetry Foundation

Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Raising poetry to a more visible and influential position in American culture.

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