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

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


A Farewell to Major Jackson

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


Supported in Part by National Endowment for the Arts

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


Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Announcements

1576: What I Am Telling You, Jessica, Is That Those Chickens Are Fine by K.T. Landon

Today’s poem is What I Am Telling You, Jessica, Is That Those Chickens Are Fine by K.T. Landon.


Today’s poem is What I Am Telling You, Jessica, Is That Those Chickens Are Fine by K.T. Landon.
The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Several of our neighbors have backyard coops, and occasionally we’re offered fresh eggs. Unfortunately, the raccoons and possums (and maybe even a fox) have encountered the chickens, too. There are fewer now.” 
This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. Slowdownshow.org/donate

The Slowdown

1575: ode to the afternoon by Zeina Hashem Beck

Today’s poem is ode to the afternoon by Zeina Hashem Beck.


Today’s poem is ode to the afternoon by Zeina Hashem Beck.
The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… ““Que Sera Sera” is a song I remember my mother singing when I was small. Which is fitting, as the song opens with these words: “When I was just a little girl I asked my mother what will I be.” I remember part of the chorus well: “Que Sera Sera, whatever will be, will be, the future’s not ours to see.”” 
This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. Slowdownshow.org/donate


1574: Black Fairy Tale by Elizabeth Spires

Today’s poem is Black Fairy Tale by Elizabeth Spires. 


1574: Black Fairy Tale by Elizabeth Spires
20260805
Today’s poem is Black Fairy Tale by Elizabeth Spires.
The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “When I was old enough, I found my way to the collected Brothers Grimm, but even then I wasn’t quite old enough for the violence I found inside. Cinderella’s sisters butchered their own feet to try to fit into the glass slipper! That bloody plot detail certainly wasn’t in the Disney movie with the cute mice and birds who made Cinderella a dress from fabric scraps.

Today’s poem conjures that dark, fantastical world of fairy tales.” 
This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. Slowdownshow.org/donate

The Slowdown

Latest Episode

Recent Episodes

1576: What I Am Telling You, Jessica, Is That Those Chickens Are Fine by K.T. Landon

1575: ode to the afternoon by Zeina Hashem Beck

1574: Black Fairy Tale by Elizabeth Spires

Announcements

A Farewell to Major Jackson

Supported in Part by National Endowment for the Arts

Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Other APM Podcasts

Truth Be Told

Ripple

The Splendid Table

The Slowdown

Latest Episode

Recent Episodes

1576: What I Am Telling You, Jessica, Is That Those Chickens Are Fine by K.T. Landon

1575: ode to the afternoon by Zeina Hashem Beck

1574: Black Fairy Tale by Elizabeth Spires

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

Announcements

A Farewell to Major Jackson

Supported in Part by National Endowment for the Arts

Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Other APM Podcasts

Truth Be Told

Ripple

The Splendid Table