Podcast Summary: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily Episode: [Encore] 442: Climbing China's Great Wall by Afaa M. Weaver
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Host: Tracy K. Smith (Archive Episode)
Producer: American Public Media in partnership with The Poetry Foundation

Introduction to the Episode

In this special encore episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, former host Tracy K. Smith revisits a poignant episode from her tenure. This archival broadcast transports listeners to China, where Smith reflects on her personal and poetic journey, culminating in the recitation of Afaa M. Weaver’s evocative poem, "Climbing China's Great Wall."

Tracy K. Smith’s Journey to China

Timestamp: [01:25]

Tracy K. Smith begins by sharing her experiences visiting China in the spring of 2017. Her primary purpose was to translate the works of the acclaimed poet Yi Lei, marking her second in-person meeting with the poet. Smith reminisces about their first encounter three years prior in Manhattan, highlighting the transformation of their relationship from a distant admiration to a more intimate and genuine connection.

Notable Quote:

"Sometimes the artists you admire turn out to be people you like better from a distance and in the form of their work. But other times, your love of what they do is matched by your love of who they are and how they move through the world."
— Tracy K. Smith [01:25]

This reflection underscores the delicate balance between appreciating an artist's work and forming a personal bond with the artist themselves.

The Encounter with Yi Lei

Timestamp: [02:15]

Smith recounts a memorable afternoon over tea in a bustling shopping district. Accompanied by Yi Lei and Yi’s niece, Smith experiences a rare moment of solitude with the poet. Without the usual linguistic barriers, facilitated solely by a translation app, the two engage in a fluid and unmediated conversation. This breakthrough moment was both revelatory and deeply connecting, allowing them to communicate beyond mere words.

Notable Quote:

"Being able to chat back and forth together practically unmediated felt like a revelation, like the barrier that had stood between us vanished."
— Tracy K. Smith [03:00]

This interaction highlights the profound impact of overcoming language barriers, fostering a deeper mutual understanding and connection.

Climbing the Great Wall: A Poetic Expedition

Timestamp: [04:00]

The narrative shifts to Smith’s excursion to the Mu Tianyu section of the Great Wall. Despite the multitude of visitors, Smith describes the climb as feeling expansive and personal, as if the historic monument was theirs alone to explore. The physical ascent becomes a metaphorical journey, blending the tangible history of the Wall with the vibrant, living moment of the climb.

Notable Quote:

"I wanted to feel history under my feet, but really it was the living moment that enraptured me."
— Tracy K. Smith [04:30]

This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the episode: the intersection of past and present, history and lived experience.

Afaa M. Weaver’s "Climbing China's Great Wall"

Timestamp: [05:00]

Transitioning seamlessly from narrative to poetry, Smith introduces and recites Afaa M. Weaver’s "Climbing China's Great Wall." The poem delves into themes of history, labor, nature, and personal reflection, painting a vivid picture of the Great Wall’s imposing presence and the myriad stories embedded within its stones.

Poem Excerpt:

"This wall is a great stairway.
Walls are things that shoot up, keep out
line the places where we mark the halls
that carry our names, the busts of this one and that one."
— Afaa M. Weaver, "Climbing China's Great Wall" [05:15]

Through rich imagery and contemplative language, Weaver invites listeners to ponder the multifaceted significance of the Great Wall—not just as a historical monument but as a living testament to human endeavor and resilience.

Reflection and Connection

Following the recitation, Smith reflects on the poem's impact and its resonance with her own experiences. The climb symbolizes more than a physical journey; it represents an exploration of self, history, and the connections that bind individuals across cultures and time.

Notable Quote:

"The genuine language transcending love came across plainly enough, without words."
— Tracy K. Smith [05:45]

This reflection emphasizes the universal language of poetry and human connection, transcending spoken language and cultural barriers.

Conclusion and Credits

The episode concludes with acknowledgments to American Public Media, The Poetry Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast through various platforms and support public media efforts.

Final Thoughts

This encore episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily masterfully intertwines personal narrative with poetic expression, offering a deeply reflective and engaging experience. Tracy K. Smith's exploration of her connection with Yi Lei and the evocative recitation of Afaa M. Weaver’s poem invite listeners to pause, reflect, and find meaning in the convergence of past and present, language and silence, history and personal journey.

For those who haven't had the pleasure of listening, this episode serves as a testament to the power of poetry in bridging divides and highlighting our shared human experiences.

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