The Slowdown

Hosted ByTracy K. Smith

Every weekday, Tracy K. Smith delivers a different way to see the world – through poetry. Produced in partnership with the Poetry Foundation and supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.


All Episodes

1312: small comment by Sonia Sanchez

Today’s poem is small comment by Sonia Sanchez. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Today’s sharp poem was written by one of our...

[encore] 1078: Ferment by Monica Rico

Our episode today is one of many from the archives. We’ll be back tomorrow with more new poetry and reflection! Today’s poem is Ferment by Monica Rico. The Slowdown...

1311: Gratitude by Patrick Dundon

Today’s poem is Gratitude by Patrick Dundon. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Today’s poem puts us in touch with what it means...

1310: Divinity School by Ariana Reines

Today’s poem is Divinity School by Ariana Reines. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Some people visit the Caribbean and other warmer climes....

1309: 5 A.M. by Michael Ondaatje

Today’s poem is 5 A.M. by Michael Ondaatje. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “The nature of my youth was one in which...

1308: Mother’s Rules by Yalie Saweda Kamara

Today’s poem is Mother’s Rules by Yalie Saweda Kamara. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Today’s poem shows how we impossibly carry our...

[encore] 1039: What Good Is Silence by Phuong T. Vuong

Today’s poem is What Good Is Silence by Phuong T. Vuong. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. Our episode today is one of many from the archives. We’ll...

1307: Field Guide as Sonnet by A. D. Lauren-Abunassar

Today’s poem is Field Guide as Sonnet by A. D. Lauren-Abunassar. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Today’s poem honors the spirit of...

1306: Ode to the Pink Cowboy Hat by Quinn Carver Johnson

Today’s poem is Ode to the Pink Cowboy Hat by Quinn Carver Johnson. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Today’s poem honors how...

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