Summary of Episode 1237: "Shadow Play" by Jessica Fisher
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
- Host/Author: American Public Media
- Episode Title: Shadow Play by Jessica Fisher
- Host for This Episode: Micah Kielbaun
- Release Date: November 12, 2024
Introduction to the Episode
In Episode 1237 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, hosted by Micah Kielbaun, listeners are invited into a contemplative space where personal anecdotes intertwine with poetic exploration. This episode features "Shadow Play," a poignant poem by Jessica Fisher, which delves into themes of legacy, memory, and the ephemeral nature of existence.
Host's Personal Reflection
Micah Kielbaun opens the episode with a heartfelt story about a wind chime his mother gifted him—a turquoise pendant wind chime intended to "summon good luck for the strength of your voice" (00:46). This wind chime becomes a recurring motif in Micah's life, symbolizing continuity and the unseen forces that shape our journeys.
Notable Quote:
"The wind chimes remind me to be perceptive to what passes through, to set prisms to refract the beauty that moves all about us." (00:46)
Micah reflects on the wind chime's journey with him across various homes, signifying stability amidst change. He shares his practice of gifting wind chimes to loved ones, creating a lasting impression of beauty and continuity. This practice embodies an "ethos to art making" and extends to everyday acts of care and purpose.
Notable Quote:
"There are mysteries of the earth and within the body and even within the soul that we cannot simply excavate an inventory. There are questions not to be answered but explored." (00:46)
These reflections set the stage for the poem, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life's fleeting moments and the enduring impact of our actions and creations.
Poem Recitation: "Shadow Play" by Jessica Fisher
Micah introduces and recites "Shadow Play," inviting listeners to engage deeply with its imagery and themes.
Excerpt from the Poem:
"Autumn Light under what sun were you born?
Did you grow under?
What king, what tyrant, what window, what door?
The Four Horsemen, the Seven Sisters at rest..."
...
"This is how I came to know you,
as a smudge or trace thumbprint on the potsherd,
residue in the flask."
Analysis of the Poem
"Shadow Play" navigates the interplay between light and darkness, presence and absence, exploring how history and unseen forces shape individual existence. The poem poses existential questions about origin, influence, and the intangible forces that guide lives, much like wind shaping the chimes Micah cherishes.
Notable Themes:
- Legacy and Memory: Reflecting on those who left marks on the earth "hundreds of years ago" and pondering the elemental forces that influenced them.
- Ephemeral Existence: The transient nature of life, akin to shadows and smudges, emphasizing moments that leave lasting impressions despite their fleeting presence.
- Interconnectedness: The interconnectedness of past and present, individual and collective experiences, illustrated through metaphors of nature and art.
Notable Quote from the Poem:
"Many lights cast many shadows, so that the hand on the paper is reflected time and again, the knuckles like the mountains..."
(Timestamp not applicable as the poem is recited without specific timestamps.)
The poem seamlessly ties back to Micah's reflection on the wind chime, reinforcing the idea that our creations and interactions leave enduring echoes, much like the shadows cast by light.
Concluding Reflections
Micah Kielbaun reinforces the episode's central themes by connecting personal experience with poetic insight. The wind chime serves as a metaphor for the unseen yet impactful forces in our lives, paralleling the poem's exploration of legacy and existence. This synthesis invites listeners to pause, reflect, and find meaning in both art and daily practices.
Notable Closing Thought:
"This is an ethos to art making, I guess, but it is also an ethos to just getting dressed in the morning, to the little acts we do, to exist in our environments with care and purpose." (00:46)
Takeaways for Listeners
- Engage with Personal Symbols: Recognize and cherish the objects and rituals that provide continuity and meaning in your life.
- Explore Legacy and Memory: Consider how your actions and creations contribute to a larger narrative beyond your immediate existence.
- Appreciate the Interplay of Light and Shadow: Acknowledge the balance of visible and invisible forces that shape your experiences and perceptions.
Additional Information
While Episode 1237 predominantly features Micah Kielbaun and Jessica Fisher's "Shadow Play," listeners are encouraged to explore The Slowdown’s vast catalog. Previous hosts like Tracy K. Smith and Ada Limón, along with guest hosts such as Jenny Xie and Brenda Shaughnessy, offer a rich tapestry of poetic voices and reflections for daily inspiration.
Connect with The Slowdown
To receive daily poems and moments of reflection, visit slowdownshow.org and subscribe to the newsletter. Follow The Slowdown on Instagram @slowdownshow for updates and community engagement.
This episode beautifully intertwines personal narrative with poetic depth, offering listeners a serene space to reflect on the subtle yet profound influences that shape our lives.