{"type":"doc","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"text":"","type":"text"}]}]}

The award recognizes an exceptional contribution to American poetry.


Major Jackson wins inaugural Patricia Cannon Willis Prize for American Poetry

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


A Farewell to Major Jackson

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


Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Announcements

1363: [encore] Notes on Beachgrass by Yong-Yu Huang

Today’s poem is Notes on Beachgrass by Yong-Yu Huan.


Today’s poem is Notes on Beachgrass by Yong-Yu Huang. 

The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem offers us images we often find in poetry: the ocean, the moon, dreams, a mother, a wound. But it offers us these elements in such a profoundly original and moving way. I couldn’t read this poem just once—I had to read it several times, picking up new treasures with each reading, like walking along the same stretch of beach at different times of day and finding new shells.” 

This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. Slowdownshow.org/donate 


The Slowdown

1360: [encore] Wind, Blue Sky by Susan Aizenberg

Today’s poem is Wind, Blue Sky by Susan Aizenberg.


Today’s poem is Wind, Blue Sky by Susan Aizenberg. 

The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem speaks to the challenge of staying in the present moment, and having gratitude for that moment, when memory is always doing what it does best: calling to us from afar.” 

This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. Slowdownshow.org/donate 

1354: [encore] Checkout by Caroline Bird

Today’s poem is Checkout by Caroline Bird.


Today’s poem is Checkout by Caroline Bird. 

The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “I’m willing to bet that no one on their death bed says, “I wish I’d spent more time at the office.” No one, taking stock of their life in those final days and moments, is thinking about spreadsheets or profits or ROI - Return on Investment. I can imagine what I’ll be thinking about at the end of my life: my beloveds, and the beauty of this place I’ve called home, and the memories I treasure most.” 

This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. Slowdownshow.org/donate


The Slowdown

Latest Episode

Recent Episodes

1363: [encore] Notes on Beachgrass by Yong-Yu Huang

1360: [encore] Wind, Blue Sky by Susan Aizenberg

1354: [encore] Checkout by Caroline Bird

Announcements

Major Jackson wins inaugural Patricia Cannon Willis Prize for American Poetry

A Farewell to Major Jackson

Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Other APM Podcasts

Truth Be Told

Ripple

The Splendid Table

The Slowdown

Latest Episode

Recent Episodes

1363: [encore] Notes on Beachgrass by Yong-Yu Huang

1360: [encore] Wind, Blue Sky by Susan Aizenberg

1354: [encore] Checkout by Caroline Bird

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

Announcements

Major Jackson wins inaugural Patricia Cannon Willis Prize for American Poetry

A Farewell to Major Jackson

Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Other APM Podcasts

Truth Be Told

Ripple

The Splendid Table