Podcast Summary: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
Episode: [encore] 1104: Black Book of Creation by Shanta Lee Gander
Release Date: June 19, 2025

Introduction

In this encore episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, originally produced and hosted by Major Jackson, listeners are treated to "Black Book of Creation" by Shanta Lee Gander, performed by guest host Chantali Gander. This episode delves deep into themes of ancestry, memory, and the enduring power of creation through poetry.

Host's Reflections and Introduction to the Poem

Major Jackson begins the episode by reflecting on his tenure as host, expressing gratitude for the journey shared with listeners. He introduces the poem by sharing insightful anecdotes and reflections on influential literary figures and the role of poetry in invoking the past to understand the present.

• Timestamp [01:33]: Major Jackson shares a poignant moment involving novelist Toni Morrison, highlighting Morrison's ability to conjure the presence of the deceased:

  "That's what happens when you talk about the dead."
  (01:33)

• Timestamp [02:00]: He emphasizes Morrison's perspective on writing as an invocation, a means to connect with ancestral wisdom and communal understanding.

• Timestamp [02:30]: Drawing from his time at Temple University, Jackson recounts a Kwanzaa program where poet Sonia Sanchez led a ceremony invoking black leaders:

  "Malcolm X, James Baldwin, Ida B. Wells."
  (03:19)

Jackson uses these reflections to set the stage for the poem, underscoring the ceremonial and evocative nature of poetry in connecting past and present.

Presentation of "Black Book of Creation"

The centerpiece of the episode is the recitation of "Black Book of Creation" by Chantali Gander, performed with profound depth and resonance.

• Timestamp [03:43]: Major Jackson introduces the poem, stating:

  "Today's poem builds on the belief that imagining is a kind of magic in time travel, that listening to the soil and all the voices within is a monumental way into both history and our future."
  (03:43)

• Timestamps [03:59] to [07:20]: Chantali Gander delivers the poem, interwoven with Major Jackson's reflections. Key excerpts include:

  • On Memory and Ancestry:

    "He said that remembering all of them becomes a chant."
    (04:12)

    "She said, I only, she said, can go this far."
    (04:17)

  • On Creation and Identity:

    "On a table three Mother sits fashioning her children Cosmic clay, stardust and obsidian for resilience, dreams for seeing and the things not contained by language."
    (04:54)

  • On Power and Vulnerability:

    "Magic, the ability to manipulate circumstance, said We."
    (06:10)

    "But, said she, as gifts are given, they can be stolen."
    (06:45)

  • On Legacy and Continuity:

    "She said, I know all the names of my mothers."
    (07:30)

The poem intricately weaves themes of creation, legacy, and the interplay between past and present, emphasizing the collective memory and the strength derived from ancestral connections.

Analysis of Key Themes

1. Invocation of Ancestry:

The poem emphasizes the importance of remembering and invoking ancestors as a means of understanding oneself and one's community. This is evident in the recurring chants and the acknowledgment of historical figures, creating a ceremonial atmosphere that bridges generations.

• Timestamp [04:12]:

  "He said that remembering all of them becomes a chant."

2. Creation and Resilience:

Creation is portrayed not just as a physical act but as a profound conversation with existence. The imagery of "cosmic clay" and "stardust" underscores the intrinsic connection between humanity and the universe, highlighting resilience and the aspirational aspects of dreams.

• Timestamp [04:54]:

  "Three Mother sits fashioning her children Cosmic clay, stardust and obsidian for resilience, dreams for seeing and the things not contained by language."

3. Power Dynamics and Vulnerability:

The dialogue between "She" and "We" explores the duality of power—its creation and its vulnerability. The gifts of creation are juxtaposed with the potential for them to be stolen, reflecting on the fragile nature of power and legacy.

• Timestamp [06:10]:

  "Magic, the ability to manipulate circumstance, said We."
  "But, said she, as gifts are given, they can be stolen."

4. Continuity and Memory:

The poem closes with a reaffirmation of memory and continuity, emphasizing that the names and stories of ancestors are not forgotten but are integral to one's identity and legacy.

• Timestamp [07:30]:

  "She said, I know all the names of my mothers."

Conclusion and Closing Remarks

After the recitation, Major Jackson wraps up the episode by reiterating the collaborative essence of The Slowdown, inviting listeners to engage with poetry as a daily ritual that fosters reflection and connection. He also provides information on accessing past episodes and encourages the audience to become part of the community through various platforms.

• Timestamp [07:57]:

  "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."

Jackson emphasizes the timeless and universal nature of poetry in bridging personal and collective experiences, encouraging listeners to incorporate The Slowdown into their daily lives for continuous inspiration and reflection.

Notable Quotes:

• Major Jackson on Toni Morrison:

  "That's what happens when you talk about the dead."
  (01:33)

• Sonia Sanchez Invocation:

  "Malcolm X, James Baldwin, Ida B. Wells."
  (03:19)

• Chantali Gander on Memory:

  "I know all the names of my mothers."
  (07:30)

Episode Highlights:

• Deep exploration of ancestral memory and its role in shaping present identities.
• Poetic invocation as a means of connecting past and future.
• The interplay of creation, resilience, and vulnerability in the human experience.
• Engaging performance by Chantali Gander, bringing Shanta Lee Gander's work to life.

This episode of The Slowdown serves as a profound reminder of the enduring power of poetry to encapsulate and convey the complexities of human existence, heritage, and the ongoing dialogue between what was and what is yet to be.