1296: In Which I Become (Skywoman) by Kenzie Allen

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
Episode 1296: "In Which I Become (Skywoman)" by Kenzie Allen
Release Date: February 17, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 1296 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, hosted by Major Jackson and produced by American Public Media in partnership with The Poetry Foundation, listeners are guided through a poignant exploration of human connection and self-discovery, all framed within the context of a shared poetic experience. This episode features the evocative poem "In Which I Become (Skywoman)" by Kenzie Allen, serving as a catalyst for reflection and communal nurturance.

Personal Story: A Flight Delay and Unexpected Connection

Major Jackson begins the episode by recounting a personal anecdote set on an airplane experiencing a delay due to a passing rainstorm. Unlike his neighbor, who reacts with audible frustration, Jackson remains composed, lost in a collection of poetry. This contrast sets the stage for an unexpected and meaningful interaction.

At [00:36], Jackson narrates:

"The pilot announced that we would wait out a passing rainstorm on the Runway. I felt my usual frustration at being delayed, but I did not fret. I wasn't threatened with missing a connecting flight."

As time drags on, Jackson observes his neighbor's growing agitation, especially when the captain makes another announcement blaming airlines for being unable to navigate the storm. This shared predicament becomes the backdrop for a deeper conversation initiated by a simple question about his book.

Building Bridges Through Poetry

The narrative takes a meaningful turn as Jackson engages with his neighbor, Charlie, a structural engineer and bridge inspector, who is also navigating personal turmoil due to a divorce. Their conversation delves into themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and pain, interspersed with the sharing of poetry.

At [03:15], Jackson reflects:

"Picture two men beneath the coned lights of an airplane, their eyes following the words of a poem. It was a different kind of bro moment."

The exchange not only bridges the physical distance between them but also fosters emotional support and understanding. Charlie expresses admiration for Jackson's poetic endeavors, leading to a heartfelt affirmation:

"Are you kidding? Be proud. That was beautiful man. I shore up bridges, but you shore up the heart."

This moment underscores the therapeutic power of poetry and human connection, transforming a potentially frustrating delay into an enriching experience.

Reflections and Insights

Major Jackson uses this encounter to highlight how poetry can illuminate our shared human journey. He emphasizes the importance of pausing to appreciate the world’s complexity and the role poets play in making sense of it all. Through the quiet moments of reading and sharing poetry, individuals can find solace, inspiration, and a sense of purpose.

At [05:45], Jackson muses:

"Sometimes it takes hearing the words of others to realize our value. Stranded on the tarmac, I stopped questioning my choice to become a poet."

This reflection serves as a testament to the episode's central theme: the capacity of poetry to foster communal nurturance and personal growth.

The Poem: "In Which I Become (Skywoman)" by Kenzie Allen

The heart of the episode is the recitation and exploration of Kenzie Allen's poem, "In Which I Become (Skywoman)." The poem delves into themes of creation, legacy, and the intricate balance between nature and humanity.

Poem Excerpt:

"Let me grasp roots all around me to ease the fall.
Let the fall be gentled by the teeming flock, their wings tender, interlocked.
Let me Mother Earth as the earth mothered me.
Let the children forge a new pantheon between them, a balance of dark and light, a history given breadth formed from the soil at our feet."

"I did not fall without purpose. It was no mistake which saw me leave the sky.
This is the story in which I throw myself into the blue with my whole heart to see to the world beyond.
The world at my back names me and so do I.
Let me make a new legacy, a becoming to tell stories about around a strong fire
she who brought the medicine nourishing our people inspired the animals in their goodness to create the land.
Let me be remembered for all I made and cherished for all I gave."

Analysis and Interpretation

Jackson provides an insightful interpretation of the poem, highlighting its rich message of interconnectedness and purposeful existence. He discusses how the poem encapsulates the essence of communal support and the creation of a meaningful legacy.

At [09:30], Jackson comments:

"Today's beautiful incantatory poem contains a rich message of communal nurturance. How we soften each other's fall as we learn to acknowledge our purpose in the universe."

He further explains how the poem serves as both a personal and collective affirmation, encouraging listeners to recognize their roles in the broader tapestry of life.

Conclusion

Episode 1296 of The Slowdown masterfully intertwines a personal story of unexpected connection with a powerful poetic piece, demonstrating the transformative power of poetry in everyday moments. Major Jackson's narrative not only brings the poem to life but also invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys, fostering a sense of shared humanity and purpose.

Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for how poetry can bridge gaps, heal wounds, and inspire meaningful legacies. As Jackson aptly puts it:

"It was like therapy in the sky. We joked about poetry readings on airplanes."

This episode is a testament to the show's mission: to provide a daily ritual of calm, inspiration, and engagement with the best of contemporary and timeless poetry.

Additional Information

To explore more episodes, including those hosted by Tracy K. Smith, Ada Limón, and other guest hosts such as Jenny Xie and Amanda Gorman, visit slowdownshow.org. Follow The Slowdown on Instagram @slowdownshow and subscribe to receive daily poems delivered directly to you.

Transcript

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I'm Major Jackson and this is the Slowdown the pilot announced that we would wait out a passing rainstorm on the Runway. I felt my usual frustration at being delayed, but I did not fret. I wasn't threatened with missing a connecting flight. Unlike my neighbor, he audibly sighed and huffed. The cabin buzzed with travelers rescheduling their journeys. The stewards came through with beverage orders. My neighbor purchased a rum and Coke after a half hour. His agitation arose when the captain returned with another announcement. He said, can you believe this? These airlines, they gouge you but cannot make it through a little storm. Until then, I was deep in a collection of poetry. Good book. Excuse me? Are you enjoying the book? I said, yeah, up until now. He laughed. Over the next hour I learned quite a bit about Charlie as we eventually took to the sky. He was a structural engineer who inspected bridges underwater. He was off to Seattle for a conference. He was also going through a divorce. On this I shared my experience. We talked forgiveness and self discovery and the pain of that. Sometimes I even shared a poem from the book in my lap. Picture two men beneath the coned lights of an airplane, their eyes following the words of a poem. It was a different kind of bro moment. After I finished, he sat in the silence. He then asked about me and my profession. I, in a rare moment of self denigration, said, well, I do not fix bridges. I told him I was a poet. He barked, are you kidding? Be proud. That was beautiful man. I shore up bridges, but you shore up the heart. That was like therapy in the sky. We joked about poetry readings on airplanes. As the plane landed, he said, seriously, thank you. Sometimes it takes hearing the words of others to realize our value. Stranded on the tarmac, I stopped questioning my choice to become a poet. Today's beautiful incantatory poem contains a rich message of communal nurturance. How we soften each other's fall as we learn to acknowledge our purpose in the universe in which I become Sky Woman by Kenzie Allen Let me grasp roots all around me to ease the fall. Let the fall be gentled by the teeming flock, their wings tender, interlocked. Let me Mother Earth as the earth mothered me. Let the children forge a new pantheon between them, a balance of dark and light, a history given breadth formed from the soil at our feet. Let it not be made easy, but be made beautiful waterways treacherous and generous in their might. I did not fall without purpose. It was no mistake which saw me leave the sky. This is the story in which I throw myself into the blue with my whole heart to see to the world beyond. The world at my back names me and so do I. Let me make a new legacy, a becoming to tell stories about around a strong fire she who brought the medicine nourishing our people inspired the animals in their goodness to create the land. Let me be remembered for all I made and cherished for all I gave. The Slowdown is a production of American Public Media in partnership with the Poetry Foundation. This project is also supported supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts on the [e-mail] to get a poem delivered to you daily, go to slowdownshow.org and sign up for our newsletter. Find us on Instagram slowdownshow and blue [e-mail].