Summary4 min read

The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily

Episode 1490: “Smalltown Lift” by Brian Blanchfield
Host: Maggie Smith
Date: April 9, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Maggie Smith explores the complexity of honest communication in relationships through the reading and reflection of Brian Blanchfield’s poem, “Smalltown Lift.” Smith uses the episode to consider how genuine connection requires vulnerability, transparency, and openness—qualities often obscured by fear and self-protection. The poem becomes a lens to view moments where touch, courage, and truth intersect, illuminating the challenges and importance of expressing one's authentic self in intimate relationships.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Challenge of Communication in Relationships

Smith opens her reflection by posing the idea that “relationships would be so much easier if we just said how we felt and what we wanted.” (01:16)
She discusses the common experience of uncertainty and anxiety in new relationships, particularly around unspoken expectations or desires:
- “So much of the angst of dating... is worrying that you and the other person aren’t on the same page.” (01:25)

Fear and Self-Expression

The episode delves into reasons why people often withhold their true feelings:
- “When we don’t say what’s on our minds, it’s usually out of fear. Fear of being rejected, of upsetting the other person, of blowing the whole thing up.” (02:30)
Smith reflects on playing it safe by hiding quirky or genuine interests to avoid judgment, highlighting the cost of such emotional restraint.

The Necessity of Authenticity

Smith asserts the long-term harm in stifling oneself:
- “You can never really make yourself at home in a relationship unless you can be your authentic self and say what’s on your mind.” (03:07)

Introducing the Poem and Its Themes

The poem selection, “Smalltown Lift” by Brian Blanchfield, is framed as a work that “captures two things that moved me: 1) a moment of tenderness involving touch and 2) a moment of vulnerability and honesty, a moment of not being afraid to say exactly what you want to say.” (03:20)
Smith leads into the poem by focusing listeners’ attention on these dual themes, poised at the intersection of physical presence and emotional exposure.

Poem Recitation: “Smalltown Lift” by Brian Blanchfield

(03:37)

The piece is read in full, highlighting a quiet, intimate scenario where two people find themselves in a photo booth, prompted to share “one true thing.”
The narrative’s simplicity—a refusal to bowl, the rainy evening, the nostalgic photo booth—sets up the emotional resonance.
The climactic sequence of photo booth “Clicks” underscores both the vulnerability of the moment and the physical closeness:
- “This is the best way I could think to have my arm around you. Click. Click. Click.” (04:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On communication and fear:
- “When we don’t say what’s on our minds, it’s usually out of fear. Fear of being rejected, of upsetting the other person, of blowing the whole thing up.” – Maggie Smith (02:30)
On authenticity:
- “You can never really make yourself at home in a relationship unless you can be your authentic self and say what’s on your mind.” – Maggie Smith (03:07)
On the poem’s impact:
- “Today’s poem captures two things that moved me... a moment of tenderness involving touch and a moment of vulnerability and honesty.” – Maggie Smith (03:20)
From the poem:
- “In here we have to tell each other one true thing. You first. Click. This is the best way I could think to have my arm around you. Click. Click. Click.” – Brian Blanchfield (04:10)

Timestamps for Important Segments

01:16 – Maggie Smith introduces the theme of relationship anxiety and communication.
02:30 – Reflection on fear and withholding self-expression.
03:07 – Smith’s insight about authenticity in relationships.
03:20 – Introduction to the poem and its resonant themes.
03:37 – Recitation of “Smalltown Lift” by Brian Blanchfield.
04:10 – Memorable climax of the poem, expressing vulnerability through action and word.

Tone and Style

Smith’s approach is warm, conversational, and contemplative, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of honesty and intimacy.
The poem’s delivery is gentle and evocative, aligning with the episode’s theme of vulnerable connection.

Summary

This episode invites listeners to consider the importance of speaking one’s truth within relationships and offers a powerful poetic illustration of how vulnerability and small physical gestures can foster genuine closeness. Through Blanchfield’s “Smalltown Lift” and Smith’s thoughtful commentary, the episode becomes a call to practice honesty with ourselves and others, even when fear tempts us to hide.

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Happy Poetry Month Friends of the Slowdown are invited to celebrate with a special offer from Poetry Magazine this April. An annual subscription to Poetry includes a limited edition notebook. The notebook features a devious quote from Dorothy Elaski on its cover. I'm almost always lying in a poem and the full poem is inside. Use the notebook for your own poems, lies and secrets. Subscribe today@poetrymagazine.org lying each episode of the Slowdown offers you a moment of attention, a poem and reflection that shift your perspective during busy days. In celebration of National Poetry Month, you can now receive an added benefit when you support the Slowdown, a sponsorship free version of the podcast. Keep your listening centered on poetry because the best moments of your day are uninterrupted. Learn more when you make your gift@downdownshow.org and thank you. I'm Maggie Smith and this is the Slowdown. Is it just me or would relationships be so much easier if we just said how we felt and what we wanted? So much of the angst of dating. I'll be old fashioned and use the word courtship is worrying that you and the other person aren't on the same page. What if they don't want to be exclusive? What if they never want to live with someone or get married or have kids or the list goes on? What if they want those things and you don't? All too often it goes like this. You meet someone, you're attracted to them, you start spending more time together, and all the while you're having conversations with your friends. Where is this going? What do you think they meant when they said X or did Y? Do you think it's going to work out? One of the most challenging things about being in a relationship, especially a new one, is communication. I've certainly been guilty of doing what some of you listening have probably done too. Not saying how I feel, not asking for what I want, not being clear in my communication. When we don't say what's on our minds, it's usually out of fear. Fear of being rejected, of upsetting the other person, of blowing the whole thing up. You might not share music you love or activities you enjoy if you think they'll be judged as uncool. You might try to play it safe and not show too much of your true, quirky self. But I know this to be true. What happens when you stifle yourself, when you aren't open and honest is worse. You can never really make yourself at home in a relationship unless you can be your authentic self and say what's on your mind. Today's poem captures two things that moved me 1amoment of tenderness involving touch and 2amoment of vulnerability and honesty, a moment of not being afraid to say exactly what you want to say. Small Town Lift by Brian Blanchfield One last stop, he says, and they drive to west side Lanes. I grew up bowling. I don't want to bowl. It was raining. We are not going to bowl. The circus carpet dark with gum beneath them, and he parts the curtains on the best photo booth in town. He feeds it the $3. Get in. They somehow share the short ridged stool. In here we have to tell each other one true thing. You first. Click. This is the best way I could think to have my arm around you. Click. Click. Click. The Slowdown is a production of American Public Media in partnership with the Poetry Foundation. To get a poem delivered to you daily, go to slowdownshow.org and sign up for our newsletter and find us on Instagram lodownshow and bluesky.slowdownshow.org. Hi, it's Maggie. The Slowdown helps you discover new poems and revisit old favorites. You can help us continue showcasing poetry from a diverse swath of authors by making a tax deductible gift. Head to slowdownshow.org donate today.