Summary of Episode 1244: Poem by Frank O'Hara
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
Release Date: November 21, 2024
Host: Micah Kielbaun
Produced by: American Public Media in partnership with The Poetry Foundation
Supported by: National Endowment for the Arts

Introduction

In Episode 1244 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Micah Kielbaun delves into a heartfelt exploration of personal passions, community connections, and the serendipitous nature of human relationships, all intertwined with the beauty of poetry. This episode is a blend of personal narrative and poetic reflection, culminating in the presentation of a poignant poem by Frank O'Hara.

Micah’s Passion for Pinball ([00:47] - [02:30])

Micah begins by sharing his unique enthusiasm for pinball, a pastime that stands out in his literary-centric life. He describes pinball as “pretty non-literary” and a “deeply nerdy obsession” that offers a blend of technique and unpredictability. Micah elaborates on his preference for vintage machines, highlighting how each one possesses its own character influenced by factors like wear and operator settings. He remarks:

“Pinball is one of the LA communities I found myself in after finishing my undergrad. Or maybe more specifically, bars are where I often found myself at the time.”
— Micah Kielbaun [01:15]

Building Community Through Pinball ([02:31] - [03:30])

Transitioning from his personal love for the game, Micah discusses the community aspect of pinball. He emphasizes how hosting tournaments provided him with a sense of belonging and routine, especially during solitary times. These gatherings became a source of comfort and a means to connect with like-minded individuals without the need for digital communication. He reflects:

“The regularity of hosting tournaments... was something that kept me going. It helped me feel like I'd actually finally grown up.”
— Micah Kielbaun [02:50]

Transition to New York City and the Search for Community ([03:31] - [04:20])

After the pandemic, Micah ventures to New York City in search of new experiences but finds the city’s environment challenging despite the lack of measurable snowfall. Feeling disconnected, he turns back to pinball as a way to locate his community, trusting in its national network to find familiar faces and meaningful interactions. He shares:

“It's a national community, so I knew that here too I could find some like-minded people at a tournament... or at least people I could commune with...”
— Micah Kielbaun [04:05]

Meeting Lauren: The Magic of Temporary Friendships ([04:21] - [05:30])

In his quest to reconnect through pinball, Micah meets Lauren, a mysterious figure with whom he shares a deep, albeit temporary, friendship. Despite initial barriers like Lauren changing his name, Micah feels an inexplicable sense of familiarity and comfort. Their time together includes movie outings and shared meals, fostering a bond that, while brief, leaves a lasting impression. Micah muses on the nature of such connections:

“There is an indelible beauty in that... when we need each other. It seems like our souls sort of orbit until they reach out.”
— Micah Kielbaun [05:00]

Introducing Frank O'Hara’s Poem ([05:31] - [05:42])

Concluding his narrative, Micah transitions to poetry, presenting his favorite poem by Frank O'Hara. He describes the poem as something that "grounds me in the air, in the weightless feeling of a future that loves its own past," highlighting its emotional resonance and personal significance. The poem is briefly recited:

Instant coffee with slightly sour cream in it and a phone call to the beyond,
which doesn't seem to be coming any nearer.
Ah Daddy, I want to stay drunk many days on the poetry of a new friend,
My life held precariously in the seeing hands of others
there and my impossibilities is this love
now that the first love has finally died
where there were no impossibilities.

Conclusion

Micah wraps up the episode by reaffirming the mission of The Slowdown: to provide a daily ritual of poetry and reflection. He encourages listeners to engage with poetry as part of their daily routines, whether it’s during morning coffee, a nature walk, or evening wind-downs. The episode closes with information on how to access more content and support the project.

“Join The Slowdown for a poem and a moment of reflection...”
— Micah Kielbaun [05:35]

Notable Quotes

• Micah Kielbaun on Pinball and Community:
  “Pinball is one of the LA communities I found myself in after finishing my undergrad. Or maybe more specifically, bars are where I often found myself at the time.”
  — 00:47 - 02:30

• Micah on Temporary Friendships:
  “There is an indelible beauty in that... when we need each other. It seems like our souls sort of orbit until they reach out.”
  — 04:21 - 05:30

• Introduction to the Poem:
  “Poem by Frank O'Hara... it's my favorite poem. It grounds me in the air, in the weightless feeling of a future that loves its own past.”
  — 05:31 - 05:42

Final Thoughts

Episode 1244 of The Slowdown masterfully intertwines Micah Kielbaun’s personal anecdotes with the evocative power of poetry. Through his reflections on pinball and fleeting friendships, Micah sets the stage for Frank O'Hara’s poem, inviting listeners to find depth and connection in both life’s passions and poetic expressions. This episode exemplifies the podcast’s commitment to offering moments of calm, inspiration, and thoughtful engagement with poetry.

Stay Connected:
To receive your daily poem, visit slowdownshow.org and subscribe to the newsletter. Follow The Slowdown on Instagram for updates and community interactions.