The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily

Episode 1369: Six Hours Lost, Land Between the Lakes by Kathleen Driskell
Host: Maggie Smith
Date: October 8, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of The Slowdown is centered on the theme of fear, vulnerability, and unexpected kindness, particularly as experienced by women in the presence of men. Host Maggie Smith introduces and reflects on Kathleen Driskell’s poem “Six Hours Lost, Land Between the Lakes.” Through personal reflection and poetic narration, the episode explores the anxieties women navigate in the world, especially in situations where they might be alone and vulnerable, and how moments of compassion can emerge where least expected.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The “Man or Bear” Question and Everyday Female Fear

[02:02]

• Maggie Smith opens with a recent online debate: “Man or Bear?” Women were asked who they would rather encounter alone in the woods. Most chose “bear.”

  • Insight: Smith emphasizes this is not an irrational fear. Female safety is threatened disproportionately by men, especially those known to them.
  • Quote:

    “Most women I know have one fear above all others. Men. It's not an irrational fear either.”
    — Maggie Smith [02:12]

• She shares her own precautions: being aware of surroundings, carrying makeshift weapons, and avoiding walking alone after dark—not because of wildlife, but because of fear of men.

2. Introduction to the Poem

[03:10]

• Smith introduces Kathleen Driskell’s poem, noting her admiration for the poem's narrative tension and emotional impact:
  • Quote:

    “I so admire how this poet unfolds the narrative, then leaves me sighing deeply at the end.”
    — Maggie Smith [03:12]

3. Poem: “Six Hours Lost, Land Between the Lakes”

[03:15-05:00]

• The poem recounts a woman lost in the woods after chasing a dog, ending up at a camp of eight unfamiliar, rough-looking men.
• Driskell’s imagery conveys palpable fear—of the unknown, of men, and of being alone and vulnerable.
• The men’s surprise and tension mirror the woman's own; the situation is fraught with potential danger.
• After hushed deliberation, two men drive her safely back to the sheriff’s station, where she is reunited with her boyfriend—offering a moment of relief.
• The poem closes with a meditation on rare, important kindness:
  • Quote:

    “It's good to remember this kindness of men, especially in the times we are living.”
    — Kathleen Driskell (read by Maggie Smith) [05:10]

4. Reflection on Kindness and Complexity

[05:15]

• Smith acknowledges the weight of the poem’s closing sentiment, contrasting pervasive fears with moments where compassion still exists.
  • Insight: The poem doesn’t erase danger or trauma but reminds us that acts of decency matter profoundly.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Most women I know have one fear above all others. Men. It's not an irrational fear either.” — Maggie Smith [02:12]
• “None of these precautions are to protect me from bears. They're to protect me from men.” — Maggie Smith [02:31]
• “It's good to remember this kindness of men, especially in the times we are living.” — Kathleen Driskell (read aloud by Maggie Smith) [05:10]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 02:02 — Maggie Smith begins reflecting on “Man or Bear?” and the roots of women’s fears.
• 03:10 — Introduction of Kathleen Driskell’s poem and its narrative structure.
• 03:15–05:00 — Full reading of “Six Hours Lost, Land Between the Lakes.”
• 05:15 — Reflection on the poem’s message and the importance of remembering kindness.

Tone and Final Thoughts

Maggie Smith’s delivery balances vulnerability, empathy, and hope. The tone remains intimate, contemplative, and honest—offering solace and deep reflection through poetry. The episode invites listeners to recognize the real fears women face and the rare, redemptive moments of kindness that help restore faith in humanity, even in fearful circumstances.

For more poems and daily reflections, visit slowdownshow.org and follow @downdownshow on Instagram.