Summary of [Encore] 236: Polaroid Ode by Cori Winrock

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
• Host/Author: American Public Media
• Episode: [Encore] 236: Polaroid Ode by Cori Winrock
• Release Date: May 16, 2025

Introduction and Episode Context

In this encore episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Major Jackson delves into the rich archives of the show to revisit a memorable episode originally presented by former host Tracy K. Smith. This special selection highlights Tracy’s insightful exploration of nostalgia and the evocative power of photography through Cori Winrock's poem, "Polaroid Ode."

Reflection by Tracy K. Smith [00:31 - 05:42]

Tracy K. Smith begins by reminiscing about her childhood experiences with photography, specifically contrasting her mother's vintage Kodak Brownie camera with the iconic Polaroid SX70 instant camera. She paints a vivid picture of the tactile and magical process of instant photography, emphasizing the imperfect charm of Polaroid images:

“There was something off, compositionally speaking, in just about every Polaroid photo I ever saw. Too much rug, too much shadow, too bright a glare off the velvet sofa.” [02:15]

Smith reflects on how these flawed yet sentimental photographs became cherished time capsules, preserving moments that define personal and familial histories. She shares a poignant memory of her sister capturing an image of Al Pacino during a movie, illustrating how these images serve as enduring witnesses to fleeting moments:

“Somehow that photo and others like it bear witness to our lives in ways little else can.” [03:10]

Transitioning to the present, Tracy discusses the modern resurgence of Polaroid cameras, gifted to her daughter Naomi. She observes the continuation of the Polaroid's magic despite technological advancements, drawing parallels between past and present generations:

“To my 21st century kids, the instant pictures are a fleeting novelty, something more concrete than a cell phone selfie. To me, the feeling is one of safety, nostalgia, and maybe even a little dram of grief.” [04:05]

Presentation of "Polaroid Ode" by Cori Winrock [04:30 - 05:42]

Tracy introduces Cori Winrock's "Polaroid Ode," highlighting how the poem encapsulates the bittersweet ceremony of taking instant photographs. She articulates the poem's ability to evoke both hope and disappointment, fostering a sense of wistfulness for both the past and the present.

The poem reflects on the tactile and chemical processes behind Polaroid photography, intertwining memories with sensory experiences:

“O snapshot. O etherized flash of childhood swarm of chemicals murmuring together to form empty sky exposing days blue dissolve from blue.” [04:50]

Through vivid imagery, the poem explores themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time, emphasizing the emotional resonance of captured moments.

Concluding Reflections by Major Jackson [05:42 - 07:20]

Major Jackson concludes the episode by acknowledging the collaborative efforts behind The Slowdown, highlighting contributions from producers, composers, and previous hosts. He extends gratitude to the Library of Congress for their partnership, underscoring the show's commitment to celebrating poetry and reflection.

Notable Quotes:

• Tracy K. Smith at [02:15]:

  “There was something off, compositionally speaking, in just about every Polaroid photo I ever saw. Too much rug, too much shadow, too bright a glare off the velvet sofa.”

• Tracy K. Smith at [03:10]:

  “Somehow that photo and others like it bear witness to our lives in ways little else can.”

• Tracy K. Smith at [04:05]:

  “To my 21st century kids, the instant pictures are a fleeting novelty, something more concrete than a cell phone selfie. To me, the feeling is one of safety, nostalgia, and maybe even a little dram of grief.”

• Excerpt from "Polaroid Ode" by Cori Winrock at [04:50]:

  “O snapshot. O etherized flash of childhood swarm of chemicals murmuring together to form empty sky exposing days blue dissolve from blue.”

Conclusion

This encore episode serves as a heartfelt homage to the enduring legacy of Polaroid photography and its profound impact on personal memory and cultural history. Through Tracy K. Smith’s eloquent reflections and Cori Winrock’s evocative poetry, listeners are invited to contemplate the intricate dance between past and present, captured forever in the fleeting moments of an instant photograph.

For those who have not yet experienced this episode, it offers a compelling blend of personal narrative and poetic artistry, exemplifying The Slowdown’s mission to provide daily moments of calm, inspiration, and deep reflection through the power of poetry.