Episode Summary: [Encore] 677: Practicing by Ciona Rouse | The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily

Release Date: July 3, 2025
Host: Major Jackson
Poem Featured: "Practicing" by Siana Rouse

Introduction

In this encore episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, hosted by Major Jackson, listeners are treated to a poignant exploration of vulnerability, impermanence, and the human condition through the lens of former host Ada Limone. Drawing from her deep well of introspection, Ada delves into the uncertainties of life and the solace found in poetry, culminating in her heartfelt rendition of Siana Rouse’s poem "Practicing."

Ada Limone’s Reflections on Life and Mortality

Ada Limone opens the episode with a contemplative meditation on the unpredictability of life and the inevitability of death. She shares her personal strategies for coping with uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment.

“I try to imagine future scenarios to see if I'm prepared. But if the last three years have taught me anything, it's that I cannot be prepared for all the scenarios. Life is full of terrific and terrifying surprises” (01:26).

Ada touches upon her admiration for Buddhist philosophy, particularly its acknowledgment of mortality. This philosophical underpinning provides her with a framework to accept the transient nature of existence, fostering a sense of peace amidst the chaos.

“I sometimes imagine the world without me in it... as acknowledging the deep and inevitable truth of life, that at some point death will come to all of us” (02:10).

She candidly expresses a desire for longevity, blending hope with the acceptance that certain aspects of oneself will inevitably fade over time.

“Honestly, I'd like to live forever, or at least until 120. I'd like to still be writing poems... But even if I could live that long, there are parts of myself or of my life that couldn't stay around that long. Some things would be lost” (04:15).

"Practicing" by Siana Rouse

Ada transitions seamlessly into her presentation of Siana Rouse’s poem "Practicing," offering her unique perspective before the recitation.

“Today's poem does that work of exploring an inevitable truth of what it feels like to try to prepare oneself for a whole new way of living in the world” (05:00).

Poem Highlights and Analysis:

"Practicing" navigates the theme of impending blindness, blending scientific imagery with emotional resonance. The poem serves as a metaphor for confronting the unknown and the fragility of perception.

• Imagery of Darkness and Light: The poem begins with vivid descriptions of vision loss, portraying it as a cosmic event.

  “I have glaucoma, which means a cloud overcasts the sun of my sight until there is no light” (05:30).

• Scientific Metaphors: Rouse employs astrophysical terms to encapsulate the disintegration of sight, creating a bridge between personal experience and universal phenomena.

  “Or maybe instead the black hole of my iris pulls the gravity of periphery closer and closer until it stampedes a cattle of stars in my eyes” (05:45).

• Emotional Undertones: The poem conveys a deep sense of vulnerability and acceptance, illustrating the internal struggle with inevitable change.

  “I will eventually. And so I practice Science too, knows little about black holes, meaning they mystify” (05:55).

Ada’s Concluding Thoughts

Following the poem, Ada reflects on the interplay between scientific understanding and personal emotion. She underscores the limitations of language and knowledge in fully capturing the essence of human experiences.

“I know nothing of blindness and too little about science to accurately describe my future sight spaghettified... hoping it knows how to carry nothing but constellations inside its orbits” (06:00).

Ada encapsulates the essence of practicing acceptance and finding beauty within the inevitable uncertainties of life, both in her reflections and through the medium of poetry.

Conclusion

This episode of The Slowdown masterfully intertwines Ada Limone’s introspective narrative with Siana Rouse’s evocative poetry, offering listeners a profound moment of reflection. Through the exploration of themes like mortality, unpredictability, and the pursuit of understanding, Ada and Rouse invite us to embrace the present and find solace in the transient beauty of existence.

Notable Quotes:

• Ada Limone: “Life is full of terrific and terrifying surprises. I never know what's coming next” (01:26).

• Ada Limone: “I sometimes imagine the world without me in it... as acknowledging the deep and inevitable truth of life” (02:10).

• Ada Limone: “I will eventually. And so I practice Science too, knows little about black holes” (05:55).

For those interested in daily doses of poetry and reflection, The Slowdown continues to offer curated selections that resonate deeply, fostering a collective pause in the midst of daily routines.