Podcast Summary: The Slowdown - Episode 1325: "Flame" by C.D. Wright
Introduction
In Episode 1325 of "The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily," hosted by Major Jackson and released on April 3, 2025, listeners are guided through a profound poetic exploration titled "Flame" by C.D. Wright. This episode stands out as it intertwines the emotional aftermath of catastrophic fires in Los Angeles with the evocative power of poetry, offering a space for reflection and communal healing.
Quote:
"This came only three months after catastrophic fires affecting thousands of Angelenos, including many in our poetry community."
— Major Jackson [00:32]
Context and Background
Major Jackson opens the episode by recounting the 2025 AWP Conference held in Los Angeles, an annual gathering for writers and writing programs. This conference serves as a pivotal moment for the literary community to connect, share, and support each other, especially in the wake of recent disasters.
Quote:
"AWP is the association of Writers and Writing Programs. The conference is an annual moment to gather together colleagues across the writer world."
— Major Jackson [00:32]
Reading of "Flame" by C.D. Wright
The centerpiece of this episode is the reading of "Flame," a poignant poem by C.D. Wright that delves into the chaos and minute observations during a disaster.
Excerpts from the Poem:
-
"The breath the trees the bridge the road the rain."
— Unknown Speaker [01:47] -
"The sheen the breath the line the skin the vineyard the fences the leg."
— Major Jackson [01:57] -
"The water the breath the shift the hair the wheels the shoulder the breath the lane the streak the lining the hour the reasons the name the distance the breath the scent the dogs the."
— Unknown Speaker [02:05] -
"Blear the lungs the breath the glove."
— Major Jackson [02:27] -
"The signal the turn the need the steps the lights the door the mouth the tongue the eyes the burn the burned the burning."
— Unknown Speaker [02:31]
The repetition of the word "breath" interwoven with vivid imagery paints a fragmented yet immersive picture of experiencing a fiery disaster, capturing both the external chaos and internal turmoil.
Reflections and Insights
Major Jackson offers insights into how "Flame" serves as a vessel for processing trauma and chaos. The poem's structure, characterized by its listing of elements, reflects the overwhelming and disjointed nature of experiencing a catastrophe. Each line builds upon the previous, illustrating the cascading effects of disaster on both the environment and the individual's psyche.
Quote:
"Today's poem catalogs the chaos of disaster, forming a portrait of the speaker's minute observation by minute observation."
— Major Jackson [00:32]
This methodical enumeration in the poem echoes the need to find order and meaning amidst chaos, a sentiment that resonates deeply with the experiences of those affected by the Los Angeles fires.
Conclusion and Production Credits
The episode concludes with acknowledgments to the production team and collaborators who bring "The Slowdown" to life. Major Jackson emphasizes the podcast's mission to integrate poetry into daily routines, offering moments of calm, inspiration, and collective engagement.
Quote:
"The Slowdown is a production of American Public Media in partnership with the Poetry Foundation. This project is also supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts."
— Major Jackson [02:55]
Production Team:
- Written by: Major Jackson
- Lead Producer: Micah Kilbon
- Associate Producer: Maria Wartel
- Music Composer: Alexis Cuadrado
- Engineering: Josh Savageau
- Audience Engagement Coordinator: Charlotte Traver
- Additional Production Help: Susanna Sharpless, Rebecca Randy, Jordan Turgeon, Lauren Humphre
- Executives in Charge of APM Studios: Chandra Kavati, Joanne Griffith
Final Thoughts
Episode 1325 of "The Slowdown" masterfully intertwines the immediacy of disaster with the reflective nature of poetry, providing listeners with a space to process and understand the magnitude of shared human experiences. Through C.D. Wright's "Flame," Major Jackson invites us to pause, breathe, and find solace in the rhythmic cadence of words amidst turmoil.
Connect with The Slowdown:
- Website: slowdownshow.org
- Instagram: @downdownshow and @bluescottlowdownshow
- Newsletter Signup: Available on the official website
This summary is crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the episode, capturing the essence of the discussions, the emotional depth of the poem, and the collaborative spirit behind "The Slowdown."