Summary of The Slowdown Episode 647: “[Encore] Walking Across Fire Island” by Shelley Wong

Release Date: May 21, 2025
Host: Ada Limón (Encore Episode)
Poem: "Walking Across Fire Island" by Shelley Wong

Introduction to Walking as a Reflective Practice [00:22 - 04:10]

In this encore episode, former host Ada Limón delves into the personal and transformative practice of walking, weaving her narrative seamlessly with Shelley Wong's evocative poem, "Walking Across Fire Island."

Personal Journey with Walking: Ada begins by expressing her profound connection to walking, describing it as a vital tool for recentering and self-discovery. She shares poignant memories from her youth in Northern California, recounting long walks from her home in Glen Ellen to Sonoma Regional Park with her beloved yellow lab, Dusty. These walks served as a sanctuary, allowing her to disconnect from daily stresses and reconnect with nature.

Teenage Transformation: A particularly impactful moment in Ada's narrative occurs during her teenage years. When faced with her stepmother's insistence to eschew television in favor of taking a walk, Ada initially resents the directive. However, the experience proves cathartic: "I felt like my brain was emptying. All the gossip and politics of junior high unstuck itself from my skin" (03:10). This revelation cements walking as a cornerstone of her emotional well-being, a practice she diligently maintained through high school and college.

Walking in Adulthood: Transitioning to her adult life, Ada parallels her walking habits across different geographies—from the oak-lined paths of California to the bustling boardwalks of New York's Gasworks Park. Her commitment remains unwavering, highlighting walking's role in fostering mindfulness and presence. She poignantly states, "You simply have to put your body into the world and something happens" (04:00), emphasizing the intrinsic value of movement without a predetermined agenda.

Exploration of "Walking Across Fire Island" by Shelley Wong [04:10 - 04:40]

Ada introduces Shelley Wong's poem as a harmonious blend of reverence for nature and introspective reflection. She appreciates how the poem captures the subtle yet profound changes that occur within the mind during a walk, particularly when encountering wildlife and contemplating one's place in the broader tapestry of existence.

Notable Excerpts from the Poem:

• "The ocean crashes and the bay rolls in. Planks creak along the boardwalk as a deer emerges underneath, umbrellas open like a sudden fruit." (04:20)
• "I inhale salt air as fog lifts off the brush."

These lines exemplify the poem's vivid imagery and its ability to transport the reader into a serene, almost meditative state, mirroring Ada's own experiences with walking.

Conclusion and Reflection

Ada's heartfelt narration underscores the universal appeal of walking as a means of grounding oneself amidst life's chaos. By sharing her personal anecdotes and seamlessly integrating Shelley Wong's poetry, she invites listeners to find solace and inspiration in their daily walks. The episode serves as a testament to the enduring power of poetry and reflection in fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Notable Quotes:

• "When in doubt, I hit the road. Get out of myself." — Ada Limón [03:50]
• "You simply have to put your body into the world and something happens." — Ada Limón [04:00]
• "I inhale salt air as fog lifts off the brush." — Shelley Wong, "Walking Across Fire Island" [04:25]

This episode of The Slowdown beautifully encapsulates the symbiotic relationship between personal reflection and poetic expression, encouraging listeners to embrace walking as a daily ritual for mental and emotional nourishment.