Episode Summary: The Slowdown - Episode 1292: "Rabbitbrush" by Molly McCauley Brown

Release Date: February 11, 2025
Host: Maggie Smith
Poem Featured: "Rabbitbrush" by Molly McCauley Brown
Produced by: American Public Media in partnership with The Poetry Foundation
Supported by: National Endowment for the Arts

Introduction to the Episode

In Episode 1292 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Maggie Smith delves into the themes of adaptation, wonder, and self-discovery through the lens of Molly McCauley Brown's poem "Rabbitbrush." Smith sets the stage by reflecting on her personal experiences with relocation and the universal feelings of encountering new environments.

Exploring New Environments and Personal Growth

Maggie Smith opens the episode by sharing her own encounters with different geographies, emphasizing how each new place brings a mix of novelty and comparison to her long-time home in Ohio. She recounts her time as a poet in residence in Tucson, Arizona, highlighting a conversation with a graduate student who noted that "all the new poets write desert poems during the first semester" (00:36). This observation resonates with Smith, illustrating the inevitable influence of one's surroundings on their creative output.

Quote:
"When I'm new to a place, I'm surprised. Even caught off guard by the landscape, I approach it with a sense of wonder. To quote Emily Dickinson, wonder is not precisely knowing and not precisely knowing not." (00:36)

Smith references Emily Dickinson to underscore the essence of wonder—embracing the unknown as a foundational aspect of both the poetic process and personal growth. She articulates that poetry serves as a "site of discovery not only for the reader but for the writer," allowing individuals to explore and understand themselves through their engagement with new environments.

The Power of Place in Poetry

Transitioning to the poem "Rabbitbrush," Smith emphasizes the significance of place in shaping one's identity and creative expression. She introduces the poem as part of her favorite anthology, You are Here, edited by former host Ada Limón. This collection celebrates nature poems that capture the intricate relationship between humans and their surroundings.

Key Themes Discussed:

1. Adaptation to New Surroundings: Smith explores how moving to a new place compels individuals to adapt, drawing parallels between the poem's setting and her own experiences.

2. Language and Discovery: The poem's focus on learning the names of local flora and fauna symbolizes a deeper engagement with the environment, reflecting the broader theme of discovering one's place in the world.

3. Wonder and Possibility: Smith highlights the poem's portrayal of wonder as a catalyst for growth and adaptation, reinforcing the idea that encountering newness sparks both fear and fascination.

Deep Dive into "Rabbitbrush"

Molly McCauley Brown's "Rabbitbrush" is a contemplative piece that paints vivid imagery of a winter landscape at high altitude. The poem juxtaposes the harshness of the environment with the speaker's sense of wonder and vulnerability.

Poem Excerpt: “I've never seen the winter at 8,000ft
long stands of lodgepole pines washed white
miles of cliff face, snow capped and sheer
and silvered with lichen.”

Analysis:

Smith dissects the poem's exploration of inhabiting a new and challenging environment. The speaker's decision to "strike out for somewhere cold enough to kill you" reflects both courage and hubris, emphasizing the precarious balance between human resilience and the overpowering force of nature.

Quote from the Poem as Highlighted by Smith:
“But what comes first is wonder at the word, at having woken someplace new.”

Smith interprets this line as the fundamental response to newness—initially driven by awe before fear takes hold. This sentiment aligns with her earlier reflections on wonder being a state of not fully knowing, which opens the door to both creativity and self-discovery.

Insights and Reflections

Throughout the episode, Maggie Smith intertwines personal anecdotes with literary analysis, creating a rich tapestry that underscores the transformative power of poetry. She reflects on how relocating not only changes one's external environment but also fosters internal growth and a reevaluation of self.

Notable Insights:

• Comparative Reflection: Smith's habit of comparing new places to Ohio serves as a literary device that many listeners can relate to, highlighting the universal experience of measuring new experiences against familiar benchmarks.

• Flora and Fauna as Metaphors: The detailed descriptions of trees, deer, and landscapes in "Rabbitbrush" serve as metaphors for the stages of adaptation and the beauty found in overcoming adversity.

• Language as Connection: Learning the names of new plants and animals represents a deeper connection to the environment, symbolizing the integration of new experiences into one's identity.

Conclusion

In this episode of The Slowdown, Maggie Smith masterfully bridges personal narrative with poetic exploration, using Molly McCauley Brown's "Rabbitbrush" as a focal point for discussing the intricate dance between humans and their environments. The episode invites listeners to embrace wonder, adapt to change, and find themselves through the words of poets who illuminate the mysteries of our common journey.

For those seeking daily inspiration and reflection, The Slowdown continues to offer a sanctuary of calm and contemplation through carefully selected poetry that resonates across generations.

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