[encore] 768: Lately I Am Trying by Sanna Wani

Summary

Podcast Summary: [Encore] 768: Lately I Am Trying by Sanna Wani

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
• Host/Author: American Public Media
• Episode: [Encore] 768: Lately I Am Trying by Sanna Wani
• Release Date: August 14, 2025

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Introduction

In this encore episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Maggie Smith revisits a poignant piece from Ada Limone’s tenure. Released on August 14, 2025, this episode features the heartfelt poem "Lately I Am Trying" by Sanna Wani. Maggie introduces the episode as a reflection on human resilience amidst grief and loss, setting the stage for a deep exploration of the poem’s themes.

Recitation of the Poem

Ada Limone delivers a moving recitation of Sanna Wani's "Lately I Am Trying," capturing the essence of grappling with grief and finding solace in the small, everyday moments that anchor us.

• Grief and Human Resilience: Ada begins by acknowledging the difficulty in maintaining faith in humanity during tough times. She reflects, "Humanity, ugh, who needs it? And yet, amazingly, people can overcome loss or grief or great tragedy and just keep living" ([00:45]).

• Sources of Comfort: The poem highlights the importance of simple joys and connections that help individuals cope with loss. Ada shares, "I want to praise those little things that allow us to continue. The garden, the birds at the feeder, the friend who texts out of the blue to see if you're doing okay" ([02:10]).

• The Bond with Her Dog: A significant portion of the poem is dedicated to Ada’s relationship with her dog, symbolizing unconditional love and a path to healing. "My dog is one of those bright spots in my life, a reason to wake up or be kind to myself or walk or nap or laugh" ([03:15]). This bond serves as a mirror for Ada to reconnect with her own emotions and the surrounding world.

• Confronting Loss: Ada delves into personal tragedy, recounting the passing of loved ones and the emotional turmoil that ensues. "The week after my grandmother died, I attended class. They were talking about what killed her. Like it was an inconvenience, like it wasn't a monster haunting my bed" ([04:50]). This line underscores the struggle to find meaning in loss amidst mundane continuities.

• Legacy and Memory: The poet reflects on the lasting impact of those lost, emphasizing the importance of remembering and honoring their lives. "I cradled her head in my hand and said 24 years ago I was your baby and now you, you're mine" ([06:20]). This poignant moment captures the shift in roles and the enduring bond between generations.

Analysis and Insights

Ada Limone’s recitation of Sanna Wani's poem offers a profound exploration of grief, resilience, and the healing power of companionship. The following insights emerge from the episode:

1. The Duality of Grief and Hope: The poem masterfully balances the weight of loss with the glimmers of hope found in daily interactions and relationships, particularly through the metaphor of the dog.

2. The Significance of Small Joys: By highlighting everyday moments—like watching birds or receiving a friend's message—the poem emphasizes that healing often comes from the simplest sources.

3. Unconditional Love as a Healing Force: The relationship with Ada’s dog symbolizes a pure, non-judgmental love that provides comfort and a sense of purpose during times of sorrow.

4. Confronting the Inevitability of Death: The honest confrontation with mortality and loss serves as a catalyst for personal growth and a deeper appreciation of life’s fleeting moments.

Notable Quotes:

• "Humanity, ugh, who needs it? And yet, amazingly, people can overcome loss or grief or great tragedy and just keep living." – Ada Limone ([00:45])

• "My dog is one of those bright spots in my life, a reason to wake up or be kind to myself or walk or nap or laugh." – Ada Limone ([03:15])

• "The week after my grandmother died, I attended class. They were talking about what killed her. Like it was an inconvenience, like it wasn't a monster haunting my bed." – Ada Limone ([04:50])

• "I cradled her head in my hand and said 24 years ago I was your baby and now you, you're mine." – Ada Limone ([06:20])

Conclusion

This encore episode of The Slowdown effectively captures the essence of Sanna Wani's "Lately I Am Trying" through Ada Limone’s heartfelt narration. The poem serves as a testament to human resilience, the healing power of love, and the small yet significant moments that help us navigate through grief. Maggie Smith's introduction and the thoughtful selection of this poem create a space for listeners to reflect on their own experiences with loss and find hope in the enduring bonds that sustain us.

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The Slowdown is produced by American Public Media in partnership with the Poetry Foundation. For more daily poetic reflections, visit slowdownshow.org and join the community on Instagram.

Transcript

[Maggie Smith]

Hey, it's Maggie Smith. I'll be joining you on Monday, August 18, with brand new episodes of the Slowdown. Until then, here's a look back at an episode from Ada Limone's tenure as host. I hope you enjoy the selection from the archives.

[Ada Limon]

I'm Ada Limon, and this is the Slowdown. I know it's easy to be let down by humanity. You might be feeling let down by humanity right now. Humanity, ugh, who needs it? And yet, amazingly, people can overcome loss or grief or great tragedy and just keep living. That perseverance can overwhelm me, can shred me into tiny pieces of emotional ash. It can flatten me. So I want to praise those little things that allow us to continue. The garden, the birds at the feeder, the friend who texts out of the blue to see if you're doing okay. My dog is one of those bright spots in my life, a reason to wake up or be kind to myself or walk or nap or laugh. Right now, my dog is sitting on the back porch watching the birds come and go from the feeder, still so upset that I dared to feed the flying beasts that flit in and out of our Kentucky backyard. Watching her makes me watch them. And for a while, we are both just peacefully noticing the world. It's something I had forgotten to do. She brings me back to myself, yes, but she also brings me back into the world. Today's poem explores how the love of an animal can help us process grief and even remember the precious value of touch. This is a poem by Sana Wanna. Lately, I am trying to teach my dog how to be alive. When she arrived in my life, she was a surprise. And because she surprised me, she was a miracle. It was a time of death. It always is. I was afraid and then undone by her. She has never known her mother. And when my mother sees her, she scrunches up her nose and says, you have no mummy. Me too. She just lost her mom. My brother was angry. He asked, whose fault? And I said, the state. I had no answer. What does blame do in a catastrophe? The week after my grandmother died, I attended class. They were talking about what killed her. Like it was an inconvenience, like it wasn't a monster haunting my bed. Hunting the vulnerable. Who are the vulnerable? Those who work hard, who were born, who bear something that says, I might be possible to you. I don't like that. I wrote that, but I won't erase it. Too grand. It forgets the bruised tendons of her hands. The last time she held them out to me the blister on her left heel the last time she walked, the last time I felt present with her her breaking lungs she sat up to eat, to drink milk. I threw out all her medication. My aunts were angry. I cradled her head in my hand and said 24 years ago I was your baby and now you, you're mine. Someday my dog will die I might touch her once before she goes My parents are getting older My brother is so far away and my sister's house is flooded the Texas snow But I went on a walk with my Lola and sometimes she kisses the ankles she gnaws When I want to kiss someone my lips throb Every touch is a miracle all of you are so beautiful to me Please teach me how to be the Slowdown is a production of American Public Media in partnership with the Poetry Foundation. To get a poem delivered to daily, go to slowdownshow.org and sign up for our newsletter. Find us on Instagram. Slowdown show.

[Micah]

Hi everyone, it's Micah, lead producer of the Slowdown. I want to take a minute to talk to you about public media. You may have heard about federal budget cuts and other threats to public media, but what you might not know is that the Slowdown is actually part of the public media ecosystem. If you want to protect your favorite public media podcasts like this one, Visit American Public Media.org Action to learn how you can help.