Summary of [Encore] 645: “It’s 9:30am, I’ve Ran Four Miles, Cried Four Times, & Eaten Two Chicken Sandwiches”

Released on July 23, 2025, as part of the encore series on "The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily," this episode revisits the thoughtful and poetic insights of former host Ada Limón. Hosted by Major Jackson, the episode delves into Limón's reflective journaling practices and her profound connection to poetry as a means of understanding and appreciating daily life.

1. Introduction to the Encore Episode

Major Jackson begins the episode by acknowledging the archival content being featured, emphasizing the meaningful contributions of Ada Limón during her tenure as host. He remarks:

“Her thoughtfulness and deep love of poetry made her time on the show very special. I hope you enjoy this selection from the Archives.”
[00:51]

This sets the tone for the episode, highlighting the significance of revisiting Limón's perspectives and poetic expressions.

2. Ada Limón's Reflections on Journaling and Daily Life

Ada Limón shares her personal relationship with journaling, describing it as a daily ritual that helps her capture and acknowledge the nuances of her life. She states:

“I keep a journal that I write in every day. Sometimes it's just lists of things I need to do with an intention scrawled on the top of the page, and other times it's recollections of my dreams or beginnings of poems, or some memory that strikes me or something I want to remember.”
[01:17]

Limón emphasizes the importance of recording daily activities to gain a clearer understanding of one's life. She reflects on a time before she maintained such regularity in journaling:

“Before I started journaling with such regularity, I remember thinking I barely accomplished anything in one day. Like that John Prine song 'Angel from Montgomery' with the lyric 'and I ain't done nothing since I woke up today.' But the truth is, I do a great deal. I write it all down.”
[02:10]

This introspection reveals how journaling has helped her recognize and appreciate her daily achievements, no matter how small they may seem.

3. The Intersection of Poetry and Daily Experience

Limón delves into how poetry serves as an extension of her journaling practice, allowing her to witness and immortalize her life's moments. She references Annie Dillard's thoughts on time and existence:

“Annie Dillard once wrote, 'how we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour and that one is what we are doing.' I think about this a lot when I am planning my day and what sort of pleasure I might suck out of its marrow during these tumultuous times of constant upheaval and war.”
[03:05]

This contemplation underscores the role of poetry in finding beauty and meaning amidst chaos and routine.

4. Reading of Ada Limón's Poetic Reflection

Ada presents a poem titled “It’s 9:30am, I’ve Ran Four Miles, Cried Four Times, & Eaten Two Chicken Sandwiches" by Christian Aldana. She describes the poem as an "electrified journal" that captures the magic of everyday existence through rhythmic pacing and vivid imagery. The poem intricately weaves mundane activities with profound emotional experiences, illustrating the depth found in ordinary moments.

Notable excerpts include:

“It's 9:30am I've ran four miles, cried four times and eaten two chicken sandwiches… did laugh did put towel down did splatter stomach did dust eyelashes did make eggs a pound of bacon, bagels and coffee…”
[04:15]

“…did kiss through seizing instances did defy little listener that salsas between my ears did see soaring fires and wrinkling mountains in your lips…”
[04:45]

Limón's delivery highlights the poem's seamless blend of the physical and emotional, emphasizing how everyday tasks and feelings are intertwined in the human experience.

5. Concluding Reflections

The episode wraps up by reinforcing the themes of mindfulness and appreciation for the present moment, as captured through journaling and poetry. Limón's reflections serve as a reminder to find solace and inspiration in the simple acts of daily life, encouraging listeners to embrace their own routines with poise and poetic awareness.

Conclusion

This encore episode of "The Slowdown" offers a poignant glimpse into Ada Limón's approach to life and poetry. Through her journaling practice and her thoughtful reading of Christian Aldana's poem, listeners are invited to pause, reflect, and find beauty in their own everyday experiences. Major Jackson's introduction and seamless transition into Limón's heartfelt expressions make this episode a valuable resource for both long-time fans and new listeners seeking depth and serenity in their daily rituals.