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

[encore] 845: Dear Future Me (#12) by Lena Moses-Schmitt

Today’s poem is Dear Future Me (#12) by Lena Moses-Schmitt. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. We’re taking a break this week, so we’re sharing some of our...

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[encore] 1026: Ode to Bones by Lynne Thompson

Today’s poem is Ode to Bones by Lynne Thompson. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. We’re taking a break this week, so we’re sharing some of our favorite...

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[encore] 908: After the Farm was Sold to FedEx by Carlie Hoffman

Today’s poem is After the Farm was Sold to FedEx by Carlie Hoffman. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. We’re taking a break this week, so we’re sharing...

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[encore] 1122: Childhood by David Baker

Today’s poem is Childhood by David Baker. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. We’re taking a break this week, so we’re sharing some of our favorite episodes from...

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[encore] 1022: Two Shadows by Maurice Manning

Today’s poem is Two Shadows by Maurice Manning. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. We’re taking a break this week, so we’re sharing some of our favorite episodes...

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[encore] 1163: Voice Clear As by Kemi Alabi

This episode was originally released on July 17, 2024. Today’s poem is Voice Clear As by Kemi Alabi. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major...

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1265: Gorgon Loves Googie’s by Rebecca Morgan Frank

Today’s poem is Gorgon Loves Googie’s by Rebecca Morgan Frank. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Yet, how do we refresh and enfold...

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1264: The Room is a Rectangle by Marianne Chan

Today’s poem is The Room is a Rectangle by Marianne Chan. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Today’s poem invites discussion of the...

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1263: Film Theory by Xan Forest Phillips

Today’s poem is Film Theory by Xan Forest Phillips. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Major writes… “Today’s poem reminds me that artists exist in...

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