Podcast Summary: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily Episode: [encore] 237: Workshop by Jacob Shores-Argüello
Release Date: August 4, 2025
Host: Tracy K. Smith (Encore Episode)

Introduction

In this encore episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, hosted by American Public Media, listeners are treated to a heartfelt revisit of a past episode originally helmed by Tracy K. Smith. The episode begins with an overview, setting the stage for a deep dive into the intricate relationship between human perception and poetry.

Major (00:01:02):
"Hi, it's Major. The Slowdown is on a break right now, but we'll be back soon with a new host. In the meantime, we're bringing you some of the best episodes from our archives. Today we revisit an episode from Tracy K. Smith's time at the helm. Enjoy."
Timestamp: 01:02

Host’s Reflections: Understanding Human Perception

Tracy K. Smith opens the episode with a contemplative exploration of human evolution and the intricate ability to read and interpret emotions through facial expressions. She delves into how this skill, while essential for survival and social interaction, can sometimes lead to assumptions that overshadow deeper understanding.

Tracy K. Smith (01:26 – 06:02):
"Humans evolved in part because of our ability to read other people's faces. If I can recognize anger, I can recognize that a situation might become dangerous and leave to a place of safety... But sometimes our ability to judge surfaces and signals takes us past the point of caution to one of assumption."
Timestamp: 01:26

She emphasizes the pitfalls of making surface-level judgments and the importance of approaching others with humility and admiration. Smith poses thought-provoking questions about the impact of our interpretive authority on societal harmony and personal relationships.

Key Quote:
"What would our civilization find itself if, instead of jumping to presume our own interpretive authority, we imagined that other people were as complex and many-layered as we believe ourselves to be?"
Timestamp: 03:15

Smith connects these reflections to the art of poetry, highlighting how poems can illuminate the complexities of human experience without succumbing to stereotypes or oversimplifications.

Poem Presentation: "Workshop" by Jacob Shores-Argüello

The centerpiece of the episode is the recitation of Jacob Shores-Argüello's poem, "Workshop." Smith introduces the poem by drawing parallels between the experience of sharing poetry in a workshop setting and the broader theme of misinterpretation based on preconceived notions.

Tracy K. Smith (05:50):
"If you've ever been in a writing workshop, you'll know what it feels like to share a brand new poem with an audience and to receive feedback on the poem's strengths and its weaknesses from your readers... But now I should fill the little room of my sonnet explaining how we own a TV. A shame, because I had a great last line."
Timestamp: 05:50

Full Poem Recitation:

Workshop by Jacob Shores-Argüello
The pale sound of jilqueros trilling in the jungle.
Abuelo rocks in his chair and maps the birds in his head, practiced in the geometry of sound.
My uncle stokes the cabin's iron black stove with a short rod.
The flames that come are his loves.
I cook chile panameno, coconut milk, a recipe I'd wanted to try.
Abuelo eats, suppresses the color that builds in his cheek.
To him the chile is a flash of snake in the mud.
He asks for plain rice beans.
Theo hugs his father, kneels in front of the fire, whispers away the dying of his little flames.
We soak rice until the water clouds on the television.
A fiesta.
The person I am showing the poem to stops reading.
He questions the tv, circles it with a felt pen.
This feels so out of place in a jungle to me.
Can you explain to the reader why it's there for a moment?
I can't believe you don't think we have 1930s technology.
The poem was trying to talk about stereotype gentleness instead of violence for once.
But now I should fill the little room of my sonnet explaining how we own a tv.
A shame, because I had a great last line.
There was a parade in it and a dancing horse like you wouldn't believe.

Timestamp: 03:00 – 06:02

Analysis and Discussion

Following the recitation, Tracy K. Smith provides an insightful analysis of the poem, unpacking its themes and the underlying frustrations of the speaker when faced with misinterpretation.

Tracy K. Smith (Post-Poem Discussion):
"This feels so out of place in a jungle to me. Can you explain to the reader why it's there for a moment? I can't believe you don't think we have 1930s technology. The poem was trying to talk about stereotype gentleness instead of violence for once."
Timestamp: 04:30

She discusses how the reader's attempt to fit the poem into preconceived notions leads to the erasure of its deeper meanings and the poet's intended messages. Smith emphasizes the delicate balance poets must maintain between expressing their authentic experiences and navigating the diverse interpretations of their audience.

Key Insight:
Smith reflects on the vulnerability inherent in sharing personal work, especially when confronted with unsolicited critiques that stem from the reader's biases rather than the poem's intrinsic qualities. This interaction underscores the broader theme of the episode: the necessity of approaching others' work, and by extension, the individuals themselves, with genuine curiosity and respect.

Conclusion and Reflections

As the episode concludes, listeners are reminded of the importance of fostering an environment where poetry can thrive without the constraints of stereotype or undue judgment. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the power of poetry to bridge understanding and the collective responsibility to honor its complexity.

Major (06:02 – 06:42):
"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."
Timestamp: 06:02 – 06:42

Additional Notes

• Advertisements & Messages: The episode begins with advertisements from Dr. Horton and MultiCare, which are crucial for understanding the podcast's funding and partnerships but are skipped in the main content summary as per the instructions.

• Public Media Awareness: The episode briefly touches upon the significance of public media and the role of The Slowdown within that ecosystem, highlighting the need for listener support to maintain such cultural programs.

Micah (06:42 – End):
"If you want to protect your favorite public media podcasts like this one, visit americanpublicmedia.org/action to learn how you can help."

Timestamp: 06:42 – End

Final Thoughts

This encore episode of The Slowdown masterfully intertwines poetic expression with societal reflection, urging listeners to look beyond surface-level interpretations and embrace the multifaceted nature of human experiences. Through Tracy K. Smith's thoughtful narration and Jacob Shores-Argüello's evocative poem, the episode encapsulates the essence of what The Slowdown stands for: a daily moment of pause, reflection, and connection through the timeless art of poetry.