Episode Summary: “52 Blue” by Sappho Stanley

Podcast: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
Host: Major Jackson
Episode: 1250
Release Date: November 29, 2024

Introduction

In episode 1250 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, hosted by Major Jackson and produced by American Public Media in partnership with The Poetry Foundation, listeners are invited to embark on a contemplative journey through poetry. This episode features the poignant poem “52 Blue” by Sappho Stanley, seamlessly woven into Major Jackson’s personal narrative, offering a rich tapestry of emotion and reflection.

Host’s Personal Anecdote: A Whale-Watching Experience [00:36]

Major Jackson opens the episode with a heartfelt recounting of his first whale-watching trip in the Atlantic near Cape Cod. He shares the motivation behind relocating his family to Provincetown—a decision driven by a desire to immerse his son in a vibrant artistic community and expose him to the majestic marine life.

“I convinced my son a move to Provincetown for a year would be great for us. New grade school for him, a community of artists for me... But three hours into our first whale watching trip, we saw nothing.”
(00:36)

Despite high hopes, their initial venture was met with disappointment as the ocean remained placid, and marine life was elusive. The atmosphere on the boat was tinged with boredom and seasickness, setting the stage for an unexpected encounter that would transform the experience.

“Just when the guide began to apologize and to promise a free pass on a future outing, 70 or so people ran to the port side of the boat. A whale breached the surface of the Atlantic and spouted water.”
(04:28)

This sudden appearance of a whale brought a surge of excitement, juxtaposing the vastness of the sea with the subtle presence of the marine giant, symbolizing moments of unexpected beauty in life’s vast expanse.

Introduction to the Poem: “52 Blue” by Sappho Stanley [06:15]

Transitioning from his personal story, Major Jackson introduces “52 Blue,” highlighting its exploration of the ocean within the self and the enigmatic nature of love. The poem serves as an introspective mirror, reflecting the depths and mysteries of human emotion.

Recitation and Analysis of “52 Blue” [06:45]

Major Jackson engages deeply with the text of “52 Blue,” bringing to life its vivid imagery and emotional resonance. The poem intertwines themes of identity, longing, and the search for truth and beauty, much like the vast and mysterious ocean he described earlier.

Key Excerpts and Themes:

• The Ocean Within:

  “In the ocean a well sings blue. 52 defined untranslatable to all other wells. A dying language.”
  (07:10)
  Analysis: This metaphor captures the ineffable nature of personal emotions and experiences, suggesting that some feelings are as deep and unspoken as the ocean’s depths.

• Solitary Power and Perception:

  “Her voice is like a party you can only see the shadows of through a stained glass. Red like a blue trumpet.”
  (08:05)
  Analysis: The juxtaposition of colors and the elusive nature of the voice portray a sense of isolation and the complexity of perceiving beauty and truth.

• Search for Truth and Beauty:

  “I need truth beauty like still urns and my legs planted on earth. I've been stuck in a worship position for too long.”
  (09:20)
  Analysis: This lines express a yearning for tangible truth and beauty, moving away from passive desire towards active seeking and grounding oneself in reality.

• Hope and Resilience:

  “Beauty truth I was meant to find you during the pinkest summer and you were meant to hear my 52 blue and here is my Rosetta stone.”
  (10:45)
  Analysis: The imagery of summer and the Rosetta Stone symbolize hope, understanding, and the deciphering of complex emotions.

Reflections and Insights [12:30]

Through the intertwined narratives of whale-watching and poetic reflection, Major Jackson draws parallels between the vastness of the ocean and the depths of human emotion. “52 Blue” serves as a vessel for exploring internal landscapes, much like the sea serves as a habitat for diverse marine life. The poem’s exploration of language and emotion mirrors the challenges and rewards of connecting with oneself and others.

“Songs unheard by anyone else still matter I'm figuring out if they do. I've been searching for truth in beauty like the pathetic 52 blue call of my well.”
(11:15)

This contemplation underscores the universal quest for meaning and the importance of acknowledging even the most subtle expressions of our inner selves.

Conclusion

Episode 1250 of The Slowdown masterfully blends personal storytelling with profound poetic exploration. Major Jackson’s narration of “52 Blue” by Sappho Stanley invites listeners to pause, reflect, and engage with the intricate dance between the self and the vast, often mysterious, world around us. Through this episode, listeners are reminded of the power of poetry to illuminate the depths of the human experience, offering both solace and insight.

Notable Quotes

• Major Jackson on Hope and Determination:

  “Hope and join Generation Hope.”
  (00:00)

• Narrative Climax:

  “Another day, another chance to witness the wonders of the sea.”
  (04:28)

• Poetic Reflection:

  “Her voice is like a party you can only see the shadows of through a stained glass.”
  (08:05)

Additional Information

For those interested in exploring more episodes or subscribing to The Slowdown, visit slowdownshow.org and follow them on Instagram at @slowdownshow. The podcast is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and offers a daily dose of poetry to inspire and reflect upon one’s personal journey.