Summary of Episode 1032: "Counting, This New Year’s Morning, What Powers Yet Remain To Me" by Jane Hirshfield

The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
Host: Major Jackson
Release Date: January 1, 2025

1. Host’s Reflection on 2023

In the opening segment of the episode, Major Jackson offers a heartfelt reflection on the tumultuous year of 2023. He acknowledges both personal and global milestones that shaped his experience over the past twelve months. Jackson highlights his significant achievements, including receiving the Academy of American Poets Fellowship for Distinguished Poetic Achievement, publishing his sixth book titled "Razzle Dazzle, New and Selected Poems", and his induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, he celebrates his role as the host of "The Slowdown," a daily podcast that brings poetry and reflection to listeners each day.

Despite these professional successes, Jackson does not shy away from addressing the darker aspects of the year. He reflects on the pervasive violence and unrest, the wars that seemed ever-present, and the unprecedented technological advancements that sparked ethical debates within his circles. The summer of 2023 stands out as the hottest on record, contributing to a sense of unpredictability and powerlessness amidst global changes.

Jackson shares his personal response to these challenges, deciding to forgo traditional New Year’s resolutions. He critiques the notion of setting individualistic goals, viewing them as a perpetuation of the myth of self-sufficiency. Instead, Jackson expresses a desire to live daringly in community, embracing collective challenges rather than retreating into solitary self-improvement efforts.

Notable Quote:

"I will abandon the ritual of unwrapping a fresh package of new resolutions which feel individual in nature. They perpetuate a myth of self sufficiency. Instead, I wish to live daringly in community and to accept the challenges our collective moment has to offer."
(00:35)

2. Introduction to Jane Hirshfield’s Poem

Transitioning from his personal reflections, Major Jackson introduces the featured poem of the day: "Counting, This New Year’s Morning, What Powers Yet Remain To Me" by Jane Hirshfield. He frames the poem within the context of seeking solutions and maintaining resilience in the face of overwhelming global issues. Jackson articulates that today's poem serves as a powerful assertion about the fundamental elements humans contribute to addressing the world's problems—attention and joy.

Notable Quote:

"In an attempt to live an anxiety free life, today's poem makes a powerful assertion that maybe what we bring to the problems of the world, to our sense of survival, is our attention and our joy."
(00:35)

3. Reading and Analysis of the Poem

Jane Hirshfield’s poem delves deep into the persistent challenges that individuals and communities face daily. Through vivid imagery and contemplative language, the poem explores themes of resilience, hope, and the enduring human spirit amidst chaos and uncertainty.

Selected Excerpts:

"War did not become peace. Yet joy still stays joy. Sequins stay sequins. Words still bespangle, bewilder."
"Don't despair of this falling world, not yet."

The poem juxtaposes mundane activities—like making black-eyed peas and collards, preparing persimmon pudding, or changing a light bulb—with significant global adversities such as war and environmental degradation. This contrast underscores the everyday endurance and the small acts of creation and maintenance that persist despite larger, often insurmountable, challenges.

Jackson interprets the poem as a reflection on collective responsibility and the importance of maintaining joy and attention as forms of resistance and survival. He emphasizes that while individuals may feel powerless against global issues, the shared human experience and communal support offer avenues for hope and continued existence.

4. Key Themes and Insights

• Resilience in Adversity: The poem highlights the human capacity to continue creating and finding joy even when faced with persistent conflicts and environmental crises.

• Community Over Individualism: Jackson’s reflection and the poem both advocate for collective action and community support as essential for navigating uncertain times, moving away from the idea of solitary self-sufficiency.

• Attention and Joy as Tools: Emphasizing that what individuals can offer to the world's problems are their attention and joy, the episode suggests that these elements are fundamental to fostering change and maintaining psychological well-being.

Notable Quote from the Poem:

"Don't despair of this falling world, not yet. Didn't it give you the asking?"
(Throughout the poem)

5. Conclusion

Episode 1032 encapsulates a poignant blend of personal reflection and poetic exploration. Major Jackson uses his platform to process a year marked by significant achievements and daunting global challenges, ultimately steering the conversation towards community engagement and the power of collective joy. Through Jane Hirshfield’s evocative poem, listeners are encouraged to find strength in shared experiences and to recognize the profound impact of maintaining attention and joy amidst adversity.

The episode serves as a reminder that while the world's issues may seem overwhelming, the human capacity for resilience and connection remains a steadfast beacon of hope.

Produced by APM Studios in partnership with The Poetry Foundation and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.