[encore] 723: Divorce by José A. Alcantara - The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily

Summary4 min read

Episode Summary: [encore] 723: Divorce by José A. Alcantara

Podcast Information

Title: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
Host/Author: American Public Media
Episode: [encore] 723: Divorce by José A. Alcantara
Release Date: April 28, 2025

Introduction

In this encore episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, former host Ada Limón takes listeners on a deeply personal journey that intertwines her experiences with the evocative poem "Divorce" by José A. Alcantara. Released on April 28, 2025, this episode encapsulates the essence of pausing to reflect through poetry, offering both solace and insight into the human experience.

Personal Anecdote: A Night of Unsettling Encounters ([00:34] - [04:40])

Ada Limón begins the episode by sharing a poignant story from her time staying at a friend's property in Sonoma, a place she has considered her "landing spot" and "haven" for over twelve years.

"I'm Ada Limón and this is the slowdown on my friend's property in Sonoma. They've given me a little place to stay over the last 12 years. It's been my landing spot, my haven, where I can come to my home valley and have a place to stay every few months or so." ([00:34])

One night, while working on poems and emails, Ada experiences an unsettling event. She hears noises that suggest someone is attempting to enter her apartment. Her fear escalates as she grapples with the lack of a plan to handle the situation. In a moment of terror, she grabs a heavy flashlight for protection and confronts the potential intruder.

"I grabbed a heavy flashlight that could double as a weapon and said through the screen, hello. And there was no answer. I said it louder and with more gusto, hello? And nothing." ([01:20])

In a climactic moment, a bird suddenly attempts to fly into her face as she opens the door, leading her to shut it swiftly. The incident leaves her shaken, struggling to find meaning in the aftermath.

"I heard it as if someone was shaking the handle to the kitchen door...but it was a bird trying to fly right into my face." ([02:45])

Upon waking the next morning, Ada discovers a few sad gray feathers on the threshold, pondering their significance and connecting the experience to themes of resilience and vulnerability.

"I kept thinking of the word visitation. Perhaps it was attracted to the light...I know that I hoped it survived." ([03:30])

Poem Presentation: "Divorce" by José A. Alcantara

Transitioning from her personal narrative, Ada introduces the featured poem, "Divorce," by José A. Alcantara. She explains how the metaphor of a bird's visitation symbolizes resilience amidst adversity.

"Today's poem takes the metaphor of a bird visitation and transforms it into a symbol of resilience." ([03:50])

Poem Excerpt: "Divorce"

Ada recites the poem, highlighting its vivid imagery and emotional depth:

"He has flown headfirst against the glass and now lies stunned on the stone patio, nothing moving but his quick, beating heart. So you go to him, pick up his delicate body and hold him in the cupped palms of your hands. You have always known he was beautiful, but it's only now, in his stillness, in his vulnerability, that you see the miracle of his being, how so much life fits in so small a space. And so you wait, keeping him warm against the unseasonable cold, trusting that when the time is right, when he has recovered both his strength and his sense of up and down, he will gather himself, flutter once or twice, and then rise, a streak of dazzling color against a slowly lifting sky."

Reflection and Interpretation

Ada reflects on the poem's themes, drawing parallels between the bird's struggle and human experiences of vulnerability and recovery. She emphasizes the importance of patience and hope in the face of life's challenges.

"Perhaps it was a way of telling me that I needed to stop being in such a frenzy." ([04:15])

Through her narrative and interpretation, Ada invites listeners to find strength in moments of stillness and to recognize the beauty in resilience.

Conclusion

This encore episode masterfully blends personal storytelling with poetic reflection, offering listeners a moment to pause, contemplate, and find connection through José A. Alcantara's "Divorce." Ada Limón's heartfelt delivery and insightful commentary enrich the listening experience, making it a memorable addition to The Slowdown series.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

"I'm Ada Limón and this is the slowdown on my friend's property in Sonoma..." ([00:34])
"I grabbed a heavy flashlight that could double as a weapon and said through the screen, hello..." ([01:20])
"I kept thinking of the word visitation...I know that I hoped it survived." ([03:30])
"Today's poem takes the metaphor of a bird visitation and transforms it into a symbol of resilience." ([03:50])
"Perhaps it was a way of telling me that I needed to stop being in such a frenzy." ([04:15])

Final Notes

For those who have not listened to this episode, Ada Limón's storytelling paired with José A. Alcantara's poignant poem offers a profound exploration of fear, hope, and the enduring spirit. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee, taking a peaceful walk, or winding down for the night, this episode provides a thoughtful pause in your daily routine.

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Transcript4 lines

[00:01]
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[00:34]
Ada Limon
I'm Ada Limon and this is the slowdown on my friend's property in Sonoma. They've given me a little place to stay over the last 12 years. It's been my landing spot, my haven, where I can come to my home valley and have a place to stay every few months or so. Recently, after visiting my parents at their house for dinner, I went up to the apartment in the hills. My friends were traveling, so the property was empty. I was working on poems and emails and work before I called it a night. Even while busy, I felt my love for my little home away from everything. But right as I was about to wrap up work and get into bed, it sounded as if someone was shaking the handle to the kitchen door, and then they stopped and shook the other door handle. My heart was racing. I could barely breathe. I didn't have a plan for this. I grabbed a heavy flashlight that could double as a weapon and said through the screen, hello. And there was no answer. I said it louder and with more gusto, hello? And nothing. So then I did what was terrifying me the most. I opened the door. Right then a bird tried to fly right into my face and I shut the door, quickly, preventing it from attacking me or getting inside the apartment. I didn't scream, but I said, why are you doing this? And I meant Took me a while to get to sleep after that, but when I finally woke in the morning, I opened the door and all was quiet and there were a few sad gray feathers on the threshold. I couldn't figure out what it meant. In my head I kept thinking of the word visitation. Perhaps it was attracted to the light, or to the moths and the mosquitoes attracted to the light inside the kitchen. I don't know. But I know that I hoped it survived. I hoped it could make it without a few feathers. Perhaps it was a way of telling me that I needed to stop being in such a frenzy. Today's poem takes the metaphor of a bird visitation and transforms it into a symbol of resilience. Divorce by Jose A. Alcantara he has flown headfirst against the glass and now lies stunned on the stone patio, nothing moving but his quick, beating heart. So you go to him, pick up his delicate body and hold him in the cupped palms of your hands. You have always known he was beautiful, but it's only now, in his stillness, in his vulnerability, that you see the miracle of his being, how so much life fits in so small a space. And so you wait, keeping him warm against the unseasonable cold, trusting that when the time is right, when he has recovered both his strength and his sense of up and down, he will gather himself, flutter once or twice, and then rise, a streak of dazzling color against a slowly lifting sky.
[04:41]
Unknown Announcer
The Slowdown is a production of American Public Media in partnership with the Poetry Foundation. This project is also supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. On the web@arts.gov to get a poem delivered to you daily, go to slowdownshow.org and sign up for our newsletter. And find us on Instagram @downdownshow and bluesky@downdownshow.
[05:13]
Unknown Host
This old house has been America's most trusted source for all things DIY and home improvement for decades, and now we're on the radio and on demand. But this isn't just another home improvement show. It's all about craftsmanship, expertise and the stories our homes tell. Subscribe to this Old House radio hour from LAS Studios and APM starting March 25th. Wherever you get your podcasts.