The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
Episode: 1307: Field Guide as Sonnet by A. D. Lauren-Abunassar
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Host: Major Jackson
Produced by: APM Studios in partnership with The Poetry Foundation
Supported by: National Endowment for the Arts
Introduction: Generational Resilience and Societal Pressures
In Episode 1307 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Major Jackson delves into a poignant reflection on generational resilience and the societal pressures faced by today’s youth. Opening the episode, Jackson recounts a personal encounter at a coffee shop that sparked a deeper contemplation on how resilience is perceived across different generations.
Notable Quote:
“Yes, previous generations were steely survivors of wars, survivors of discrimination, not microaggressions, but macro aggressions. The people who could take a joke, the people with skins thick as football leather who swallowed their frustrations.”
— Major Jackson [02:15]
Jackson contrasts the robust, often stoic resilience of older generations with the more openly expressed struggles of younger individuals. He critiques the prevalent narrative that valorizes stoicism and dismisses the legitimacy of contemporary challenges as mere signs of fragility.
Key Points:
- Societal Expectations: Jackson argues that the emphasis on "hardiness" over "accountability or righteousness" perpetuates oppressive myths about how individuals should navigate life's adversities.
- Language of Resilience: He criticizes the language that undermines genuine emotional expressions and dismisses the efforts of those advocating for dignity and higher expectations in life.
- Support Systems: Highlighting his personal journey, Jackson acknowledges the unrecognized support from family, communities, and institutions that have been pivotal in personal survival and success.
The Poem: Field Guide as Sonnet by A. D. Lauren-Abunassar
Following his introduction, Major Jackson presents Field Guide as Sonnet by A. D. Lauren-Abunassar, a poem that encapsulates the essence of enduring strength and the quiet persistence of courageous women.
Poem Excerpt:
“She is a study in force how to channel the mighty in her own life.
...
She is a woman who knows pain is no more than a wager on survivability.
She dreams in the language of history.”
— A. D. Lauren-Abunassar
Themes Explored:
- Intergenerational Strength: The poem celebrates the unyielding spirit of women like the narrator’s grandmother, who embody both physical and emotional fortitude.
- Mastery of Daily Life: Through vivid imagery, the poem illustrates how these women adeptly manage the complexities and challenges of everyday existence.
- Legacy and Heritage: It underscores the importance of familial and communal support systems that nurture and sustain individuals through generations.
Notable Lines:
“Her mercy flows like a clumsy river, it moves mad and it carries a hazard of surprises.”
— A. D. Lauren-Abunassar [04:30]
These lines poignantly convey the unpredictable and sometimes overwhelming nature of mercy and kindness, portraying it as a powerful yet untamed force within the lives of these resilient women.
Reflections: The Cost of Resilience
After reciting the poem, Major Jackson offers a thoughtful analysis of its implications, tying the literary work back to his initial reflections on generational resilience.
Key Reflections:
- Hidden Struggles: Jackson emphasizes that while older generations may have appeared resilient, their strength was often supported by unseen networks of care and support.
- Misconceptions of Fragility: He challenges the notion that younger generations are inherently more fragile, suggesting instead that their ways of expressing and addressing struggles are different but equally valid.
- Value of Vulnerability: By honoring the "courageous women who humbly persist," Jackson advocates for a broader understanding of strength that includes vulnerability and emotional openness.
Notable Quote:
“The people were nurtured and protected by their families, communities, institutions of faith. I too have used this language to discount young people. But my frustrations led to an examination of my journey, and I realized that I never actually went it alone, merely getting by with my intellect and luck.”
— Major Jackson [05:10]
Conclusion: Honoring Through Poetry
Major Jackson wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of poetry as a medium for reflection and understanding. He underscores how poems like Field Guide as Sonnet serve as tributes to the resilient spirits that shape our collective journey.
Final Thoughts:
- Poetry as Reflection: Jackson invites listeners to use poetry as a tool for pausing, reflecting, and gaining deeper insights into the human experience.
- Community and Connection: He emphasizes the communal aspect of poetry, highlighting how shared reflections can foster empathy and mutual support.
Closing Remark:
“Today's poem honors the spirit of courageous women who humbly persist, who do not hold back on love.”
— Major Jackson [05:50]
Additional Information
Listeners are encouraged to explore The Slowdown back catalog featuring previous hosts Tracy K. Smith and Ada Limón, as well as guest hosts Jenny Xie, Brenda Shaughnessy, Tina Chang, Nate Marshall, Shira Erlichiman, and Jason Schneiderman. The podcast invites everyone to make poetry a part of their daily routine, whether during morning coffee, a nature walk, or winding down for the day.
Stay Connected:
- Website: slowdownshow.org
- Newsletter: Sign up on the website for daily poem deliveries.
- Social Media: Follow on Instagram @downdownshow and via email at blue sky@downdownshow.org.
This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 1307 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, providing comprehensive insights into the discussions, reflections, and poetic expressions shared by Major Jackson and the featured poem by A. D. Lauren-Abunassar.