1255: The Presence in Absence by Linda Gregg - The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily

Summary4 min read

Summary of Episode 1255: "The Presence in Absence" by Linda Gregg

Podcast Information:

Title: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
Host: Major Jackson (American Public Media)
Episode: 1255: "The Presence in Absence" by Linda Gregg
Release Date: December 6, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 1255 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Major Jackson delves into the evocative poem "The Presence in Absence" by Linda Gregg. This episode encapsulates Jackson’s insightful exploration of poetry’s role in personal discovery and societal empathy. Through a thoughtful analysis of Gregg's work, Jackson underscores how poetry serves as a mirror to our inner selves and as a bridge connecting diverse human experiences.

Host Insights: The Power of Poetry

Major Jackson begins the episode by reflecting on the intrinsic relationship between poetry and self-discovery. She posits that "If you write poetry, you are likely to discover yourself—what you hear, believe, dream" (00:36) suggesting that poetry acts as a conduit for uncovering hidden facets of one's identity. Jackson emphasizes that "Poetry is a transcription of your inner life," highlighting its role in making intangible thoughts tangible.

She further elaborates on poetry’s capacity to foster empathy and understanding among individuals from varied backgrounds. By stating, "In a democracy such as ours, made up of people from all walks of life and backgrounds, hearing the richness of our nation in artful speech proves indispensable in cultivating compassion," Jackson underscores the societal significance of poetry in bridging cultural and personal divides.

Exploring "The Presence in Absence"

Turning to Linda Gregg's poem, Jackson articulates its central theme: "the presence and absence." She interprets the poem as a celebration of poetry's ability to evoke the essence of someone who is no longer physically present. Jackson reads a poignant excerpt from Gregg's work:

"I can say it's January when it's August. I can say the scent of wisteria on the second floor of my grandmother's house, with the door open onto the porch in Petaluma, while I'm living an hour's drive from the Mexican border town of Ojinaga, it is possible to be with someone who is gone."
(Timestamp not provided in the transcript)

This passage illustrates how poetry transcends temporal and spatial boundaries, allowing readers to reconnect with memories and emotions tied to absent loved ones. Jackson draws attention to the vivid imagery and sensory details that Gregg employs to evoke a sense of enduring presence despite physical absence.

Furthermore, Jackson reflects on the emotional resonance of the poem, noting how it "can be terrifying hearing the intimate thoughts of one's neighbors, one's co-workers and kin," yet "the softness of our thoughts, the warmth and closeness of our emotions make us real to each other." This duality captures the vulnerability and profound connection that poetry can inspire among individuals.

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

Major Jackson on Self-Discovery through Poetry:
"If you write poetry, you are likely to discover yourself—what you hear, believe, dream." (00:36)
On Poetry Fostering Empathy:
"In a democracy such as ours, made up of people from all walks of life and backgrounds, hearing the richness of our nation in artful speech proves indispensable in cultivating compassion." (00:36)
Quoting Elizabeth Alexander:
"ars poetica number 100 and are we not of interest to each other?" (00:36)

Conclusions and Reflections

In wrapping up the analysis of Linda Gregg's "The Presence in Absence," Major Jackson reinforces the notion that poetry serves as both a personal and communal sanctuary. It allows individuals to navigate their inner landscapes while simultaneously fostering a collective empathy that binds diverse experiences. Jackson invites listeners to appreciate the delicate interplay between presence and absence, memory and reality, underscoring poetry's enduring power to illuminate the human condition.

This episode of The Slowdown not only celebrates Linda Gregg's poignant work but also invites listeners to engage deeply with poetry as a transformative practice. Through Jackson's eloquent guidance, the episode exemplifies how daily reflections on poetry can enrich our understanding of ourselves and each other.

About The Slowdown

The Slowdown is a daily poetry ritual hosted by Major Jackson, produced by APM Studios in partnership with The Poetry Foundation, and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. The podcast features both emerging and established poets, offering listeners a moment of calm, inspiration, and reflection each weekday. For more episodes and to subscribe, visit slowdownshow.org.

Credits

Host: Major Jackson
Lead Producer: Micah Kilbine
Associate Producer: Maria Wartell
Music: Alexis Quadrado
Engineering: Josh Savageau
Digital Producer: James Napoli
Additional Production: Susanna Sharpless, Jess Miller, Lauren Humpert
Executives in Charge: Chandra Kavati, Joanne Griffith

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Transcript2 lines

[00:01]
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Once upon a time, Amazon Music met audiobooks, and listeners everywhere rejoiced. Oh yeah, because now they could listen to one audiobook title a month from an enormous library of popular audiobook titles, including Romantasy, Autobiographies, True Crime, and More. Suddenly, listeners didn't mind sitting in traffic or even missing their flight. Amazon Music Unlimited now includes Audible Download, the Amazon Music app now to start Listening Terms apply.
[00:37]
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I'm Major Jackson, and this is the slowdown. If you write poetry, you are likely to discover yourself what you hear, believe, dream. Poetry is a transcription of your inner life. It is a magical place where you listen to your hidden thoughts to figure out who you are. Each pushed key, each written word on a yellow pad unearths some part of you, possibly many parts of you. Your goofy side, your political self, that part of you that longs for a cozy couch and a good book or a kiss. Know thyself, goes the ancient maxim at Delphi. In reading poetry, maybe more compellingly, we discover other human beings, their rituals and customs, their sympathies and affections, how they talk and the cadence of their breathing enter our bodies. In a democracy such as ours, made up of people from all walks of life and backgrounds, hearing the richness of our nation in artful speech proves indispensable in cultivating compassion. As poet Elizabeth Alexander asks in one of my favorite poems, ars poetica number 100 and are we not of interest to each other? While not its only function, for poetry also thrives beyond the affairs of societies. Poetry deepens our appreciation for people. Their perspectives and life events take central stage. It's as if they are with us, though not with us. It can be terrifying hearing the intimate thoughts of one's neighbors, one's co workers and kin. And that's just the beauty of it all. We are vulnerable in the face of a callous, impenetrable world. The softness of our thoughts, the warmth and closeness of our emotions make us real to each other. Today's poem wonderfully celebrates one of poetry's many powers, the presence and absence. By Linda Gregg Poetry is not made of words. I can say it's January when it's August. I can say the scent of wisteria on the second floor of my grandmother's house, with the door open onto the porch in Petaluma, while I'm living an hour's drive from the Mexican border town of Ojinaga, it is possible to be with someone who is gone. Like the silence which continues here in the desert while the night train passes through Marfa louder and louder like the dogs whining and barking after the train is gone. The Slowdown is a production of American Public Media in partnership with the Poetry Foundation. This project is also supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. On the web@arts.gov to get a poem delivered to you daily, go to slowdownshow.org and sign up for our newsletter and find us on Instagram. Lown show the Slowdown is written by me, Major Jackson. Our lead producer is Micah Kilbine and our associate producer is Maria Wartell. Our music is composed by Alexis Quadrado, engineering by Josh Savageau. Our digital producer is James Napoli. Additional production help by Susanna Sharpless, Jess Miller and Lauren Humpert. Our executives in charge of APM Studios are Chandra Kavati and Joanne Griffith. Give your loved ones the gift of poetry this year with Poetry Magazine. Poetry's gift bundle includes a one year print and digital subscription to the magazine, plus a limited edition tote bag. Your loved ones will receive 10 beautifully curated volumes of contemporary poetry and unlimited digital access through the Poetry Magazine app. It's a gift that lasts all year. Subscribe today@poetrymagazine.org slow that's poetrymagazine.org slow.