1322: [as freedom is a breakfastfood] by E.E. Cummings

Summary

The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily - Episode 1322 Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
• Host: Major Jackson
• Author/Producer: American Public Media in partnership with The Poetry Foundation
• Episode: 1322: "[as freedom is a breakfastfood]" by E.E. Cummings
• Release Date: March 31, 2025

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1. Introduction

In Episode 1322 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Major Jackson delves into the intricate themes of freedom and choice through the lens of E.E. Cummings' evocative poem "[as freedom is a breakfastfood]." This episode seamlessly blends contemporary reflections with timeless poetic expression, inviting listeners to pause and contemplate the nuances of their daily lives.

2. Reflections from the 2025 AWP Conference

At the outset ([00:36]), Major Jackson shares insights from the 2025 Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) conference in Los Angeles. Described as an "annual moment to gather together colleagues across the writer world," the conference serves as a melting pot for diverse literary voices. Jackson highlights the collaborative spirit of the event and its role in shaping the current literary landscape.

3. Navigating Choices in the Digital Age

Major Jackson introduces the episode's central theme by addressing the overwhelming array of choices individuals face daily—from trivial decisions like what to eat or watch to more significant ones concerning love and finances. He poignantly remarks:

"In our digital age, many feel exhausted by the wealth of choices. What do we do with all of this Freedom? And is it real freedom?" ([00:50])

This contemplation sets the stage for exploring how poetry can illuminate the beauty and absurdity inherent in our transient lives.

4. Featured Poem: "[as freedom is a breakfastfood]" by E.E. Cummings

The heart of the episode is E.E. Cummings' "as freedom is a breakfastfood," presented with a fluid and expressive reading from [01:54] to [03:14]. The poem intricately weaves themes of freedom, truth, and human imperfection, showcasing Cummings' signature style of playful syntax and profound depth.

Key Excerpts and Insights:

• On the Nature of Freedom and Truth:

  "as freedom is a breakfast / Food or truth can live with right and wrong, / or molehills are from mountains." ([02:00])

  Cummings juxtaposes simple elements like breakfast food with complex concepts, suggesting that freedom and truth coexist with moral ambiguities.

• On Impermanence and Perception:

  "Is a toe, and any courage is a fear." ([02:27])

  This line encapsulates the paradoxical nature of courage, highlighting the thin line between bravery and fear.

• On Love and Existence:

  "love is the sky and I am for you / Just so long and long enough." ([03:01])

  Cummings elevates love to a universal, almost celestial status, emphasizing its enduring presence amidst the fleeting moments of life.

5. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

To provide deeper insights, several poignant quotes from both Major Jackson and the poem are highlighted:

• Major Jackson on Digital Choice Overload:

  "What do we do with all of this Freedom? And is it real freedom?" ([00:50])

• E.E. Cummings on the Duality of Truth:

  "Food or truth can live with right and wrong." ([02:00])

• E.E. Cummings on the Essence of Love:

  "love is the sky and I am for you." ([03:01])

These quotes underscore the episode's exploration of how freedom and choice shape our perceptions and experiences.

6. Conclusion and Resources

As the episode draws to a close ([03:31]), Major Jackson reiterates the collaborative efforts behind The Slowdown, thanking partners like the National Endowment for the Arts and encouraging listeners to engage further:

• Subscribe and Connect:

  • Website: slowdownshow.org
  • Newsletter Sign-Up: Available on the website
  • Social Media: Instagram @downdownshow and [e-mail]

• Acknowledgments: Special thanks are extended to contributors Derek Chan, Gerald Fleming, Hannah Weiderman, Peter Waldor, and Sunny Brown Wilkinson for their support and collaboration.

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Additional Notes:

• Previous Hosts and Guest Hosts: The episode also invites listeners to explore previous content by former hosts Tracy K. Smith and Ada Limón, as well as guest hosts including Jenny Xie, Brenda Shaughnessy, Tina Chang, Nate Marshall, Shira Erlichiman, and Jason Schneiderman.

• Sponsor Acknowledgment: While advertisements are present in the transcript, they are excluded from the summary to maintain focus on the episode's core content.

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This episode of The Slowdown masterfully intertwines modern-day reflections with classic poetic expression, offering listeners a moment of introspection and appreciation for the enduring power of poetry in navigating the complexities of contemporary life.

Transcript

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[Major Jackson]

I'm Major Jackson and this is the Slowdown. Last week our team attended the 2025 AWP conference in Los Angeles. AWP is the association of Writers and Writing Programs. The conference is an annual moment to gather together colleagues across the writer world. This week's episodes include audio we recorded on site, bringing together many voices. Slow down style Many of us make choices all day. What to eat, what to watch, who to love, where to put our money. In our digital age, many feel exhausted by the wealth of choices. What do we do with all of this Freedom? And is it real freedom? Today's poem explores our subjectivity, exposing the beauty and the ridiculousness in our impermanence.

[E. E. Cummings]

As Freedom Is a Breakfast Food by.

E. Cummings as freedom is a breakfast.

Food or truth can live with right and wrong, or molehills are from mountains.

Made long enough and just so long.

Will being pay the rent of seem and genius please the talent gang and water most encourage flame as hatracks into.

Peach trees grow, or hopes dance best.

On bald men's hair and every finger.

Is a toe, and any courage is a fear.

Long enough and just so long Will the impure think all things pure, and hornets wail by, children stung or as.

The seeing are the blind and robins never welcome spring nor flat folk prove.

Their world is round, Nor dingsters die.

At break of dawn and commons rare and millstones float Long enough and just so long Tomorrow will not be too late.

Worms are the words, but joy's the voice.

Down shall go which and up come.

Who Breasts will be breasts, Thighs will be thighs. Deeds cannot dream what dreams Time is.

A tree, this life one leaf but love is the sky and I am for you Just so long and long enough.

[Major Jackson]

The Slowdown is a production of American Public Media in partnership with the Poetry Foundation. This project is also supported in part by 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. And find us on Instagram @downdownshow and [e-mail] Special thanks to Derek Chan, Gerald.

[E. E. Cummings]

Fleming, Hannah Weiderman, Peter Waldor, Sunny Brown Wilkinson.

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