The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily - Episode 1201: "Try to Praise the Mutilated World"

Release Date: May 27, 2025
Host: Major Jackson
Featured Poem: "Try to Praise the Mutilated World" by Adam Zagajewski, translated by Clare Cavanagh

Introduction

In this encore episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Major Jackson revisits a poignant selection from his tenure on the show. Steering listeners through a personal narrative intertwined with reflective poetry, Jackson sets the stage for a deep exploration of emotion, resilience, and the beauty amidst turmoil.

Setting the Scene: A Morning of Frustration [00:31]

Major Jackson begins by recounting a recent morning marked by a series of inconveniences that collectively dampened his spirit. The episode opens with a relatable anecdote:

"I woke up recently with the Rams. That's what we called it in my youth when someone was angry for no reason and seemed to want to butt heads with everyone." ([00:31])

This metaphor of the "Rams" encapsulates Jackson's initial state of agitation, ignited by mundane frustrations: running out of coffee, enduring a lengthy grocery store trip amidst traffic, and facing a delayed start to his workday.

Navigating Daily Irritations [00:31 - 03:45]

Jackson delves deeper into the cascade of minor setbacks that amplified his morning's negativity:

• Car Jams and Repetitive Tunes: Each attempt to start his car inadvertently plays "A Foggy Day in London Town" by Leslie Hutchison, reminiscent of the film Groundhog Day, exacerbating his irritation.

  "Every trip feels like Groundhog Day, the movie, which on this day really annoyed me." ([01:20])

• Supermarket Struggles: Encountering an empty shelf prompts a perfunctory interaction with a cheerful store clerk who inadvertently heightens Jackson's frustration.

  "The store clerk peered on the shelf, reached his arm in the deep back, and pulled out a bag. He cheerily handed it to me. His joy was annoying, slightly toxic." ([02:10])

• Personal Relationships: At home, his partner Dede observes his sour mood, prompting a brief moment of introspection and apology.

  "Dede noticed and said, 'woke up on the wrong side of the bed,' and I said, 'I hate that phrase. This isn't me.'" ([03:00])

These vignettes collectively paint a picture of a day marred by small yet cumulative irritations, setting the emotional backdrop for the poem's introduction.

Emotional Resilience and Worldly Reflections [03:45 - 05:50]

Transitioning from personal frustrations, Jackson broadens the scope to contemplate the human condition:

"One of the great paradoxes in life is the presence of human suffering on the planet amidst prosperity." ([04:15])

He muses on the difficulty of maintaining hope and compassion in a world rife with conflict and suffering, highlighting the challenge of bearing witness without feeling overwhelmed:

"Sometimes it's tough bearing witness and walking in the world when one feels debilitated and silence around other people's suffering feels like gaslighting." ([05:00])

This reflection underscores the episode's central theme: finding peace and appreciation despite the world's inherent imperfections and struggles.

Introducing the Poem: "Try to Praise the Mutilated World" [05:50 - 06:16]

Jackson segues into the featured poem, framing it as an invitation to embrace gentleness and reclaim inner tranquility amidst chaos:

"Today's poem invites us to rise to a place of gentleness, where memories of sublime encounters can help us reclaim an inner peace." ([05:50])

He presents Adam Zagajewski's "Try to Praise the Mutilated World," emphasizing its relevance to both personal and global turmoils.

Featured Poem: "Try to Praise the Mutilated World"

The episode features a reading of Zagajewski's evocative poem, translated by Clare Cavanagh. The poem serves as a lyrical exploration of beauty amidst devastation, urging listeners to find reasons to celebrate the world's enduring splendor despite its many scars.

Key Lines from the Poem:

• "Try to praise the mutilated world. Remember June's long days and wild strawberries..."
  ([06:00])

• "You should praise the mutilated world. Remember the moments when we were together in a white room and the curtain fluttered."
  ([06:10])

These excerpts highlight the poem's call to recognize and honor the persistent beauty and fleeting moments of joy that coexist with the world's suffering.

Conclusion: Embracing the Mutilated World [06:16 - End]

Wrapping up the episode, Jackson reiterates the poem's central message of gentle resilience and appreciation for life's fragmented beauty:

"Praise the mutilated world and the gray feather, a thrush lost and the gentle light that strays and vanishes and returns." ([06:11])

He encourages listeners to incorporate The Slowdown into their daily rituals—be it morning coffee, nature walks, or evening reflections—to foster a collective space for calm, inspiration, and engagement with both emerging and established poets.

Final Thoughts

Episode 1201 of The Slowdown masterfully intertwines Major Jackson's personal narrative with the timeless wisdom of Adam Zagajewski's poetry. By articulating everyday frustrations and expanding them into contemplative reflections, Jackson invites listeners to navigate their own emotional landscapes with grace and appreciation for the world's inherent complexities. This episode serves as a reminder that amidst life's upheavals, there lies a profound capacity for praise, resilience, and inner peace.

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The Slowdown is a production of American Public Media in partnership with the Poetry Foundation and supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.