Podcast Summary: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily – Episode 1271: "Refuge" by Nehassaiu deGannes

Introduction

In Episode 1271 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 journey through themes of community resilience, cultural preservation, and the profound impact of gardening as a metaphor for positive transformation. Released on January 13, 2025, this episode features the evocative poem "Refuge" by Nehassaiu deGannes, intertwined with Major Jackson's insightful reflections.

Setting the Scene: Transformation Through Community Effort

The episode opens with Major Jackson recounting a personal memory that sets the tone for the day's reflection:

“The drive between my parents and grandparents' houses took us by 18th and Glenwood in North Philadelphia. The neighborhood was defined by its dump trash, old mattresses, broken furniture, pyramids of garbage bags along a street full of vacant lots. The stretch was an eyesore until residents in the row houses across the street, many of them with roots in the American South, took action.” ([00:00])

Jackson paints a vivid picture of a neglected urban area transformed by the collective efforts of its residents. He highlights how neighbors collaborated to clear debris, level the land, and establish garden plots, ultimately creating Glenwood Green Acres—a thriving community garden.

Community Garden as a Metaphor for Change

Jackson elaborates on the significance of this transformation:

“They created a community garden. They grew okra, squash, peaches, figs, and just about any other vegetable you can think of. That transformation was important to me. It served as a visible metaphor for the possibility of positive change.” ([00:45])

He emphasizes that the garden not only beautified the area but also played a crucial role in reducing fear and crime, fostering a sense of safety and community pride. Glenwood Green Acres, now one of Philadelphia’s oldest community gardens, provides fresh produce to local food banks and stands as a testament to grassroots initiatives fostering environmental and social well-being.

Presentation of "Refuge" by Nehassaiu deGannes

Transitioning from the narrative, Major Jackson introduces the featured poem, "Refuge" by Nehassaiu deGannes. The poem delves into themes of displacement, cultural identity, and the preservation of heritage through the nurturing of gardens in unfamiliar landscapes.

Poem Excerpt and Analysis

A poignant excerpt from "Refuge" captures the essence of maintaining cultural roots amidst change:

“Dear Disappeared town, the flowers at my window remind someone of you. Say petunias here, Betunya Town of his father's birth.” ([02:30])

This stanza reflects the longing for a lost homeland and the bittersweet act of remembrance through flora. The act of gardening becomes a sanctuary where memories and identities are preserved and nurtured.

Jackson reflects on the poem's portrayal of gardening as a lifeline:

“Today's poem positions gardening as a powerful means of holding on to one's culture, to one's culinary identity in a new land.” ([05:10])

The imagery of fig trees thriving in Newark, New Jersey, symbolizes resilience and adaptability. The poet illustrates how cultivating a garden in an urban environment serves not just as a means of survival but as a cultural affirmation.

Notable Themes and Insights

1. Cultural Preservation: The poem underscores the importance of maintaining cultural practices in diaspora, using gardening as a metaphor for preserving culinary and familial traditions.

2. Resilience and Adaptation: The act of cultivating a garden in a challenging environment showcases the resilience of individuals and communities in adapting to new circumstances while retaining their heritage.

3. Community and Connection: Similar to Jackson’s earlier narrative, the poem emphasizes how communal efforts in gardening can bridge gaps, foster connections, and create a sense of belonging.

4. Memory and Identity: The persistent references to the homeland and the tactile connection to plants reflect how memory shapes identity and provides comfort in times of displacement.

Conclusion and Reflection

As the episode concludes, Major Jackson ties together the narrative and the poem, highlighting the universal themes of growth, resilience, and the quest for belonging. He encourages listeners to find their moments of reflection, whether through gardening, poetry, or other personal rituals, to cultivate their inner gardens and nurture their cultural identities.

“This orchard, this school, this mother, this son, this fig, this room—no one can say gone is gone. Not the disappeared town, not the flowers.” ([09:45])

This closing line encapsulates the enduring presence of memory and the steadfastness of cultural roots, even in the face of change and adversity.

Final Thoughts

Episode 1271 of The Slowdown masterfully intertwines personal narrative with powerful poetry to explore how communities and individuals cultivate resilience and preserve their identities. Through Major Jackson’s eloquent guidance and Nehassaiu deGannes’ moving poem "Refuge," listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the subtle yet significant ways in which we find refuge and meaning in our daily lives.

Additional Information

For those interested in exploring more episodes, The Slowdown offers a rich back catalog featuring previous hosts like Tracy K. Smith and Ada Limón, as well as guest hosts such as Jenny Xie, Brenda Shaughnessy, and Mary Oliver. To receive daily poems and reflections, visit slowdownshow.org and subscribe to their newsletter or follow them on Instagram @slowdownshow.