Episode Summary: [encore] 846: Some Madness There by Charlotte Pence

Introduction

In this encore episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, hosted by Major Jackson, American Public Media delves into the intricate dance between wanderlust and familial bonds through the evocative poem "Some Madness There" by Charlotte Pence. This episode seamlessly intertwines personal narrative with poetic exploration, inviting listeners to reflect on the innate desire to explore beyond the familiar.

Host's Narrative: A Journey of Independence and Discovery

Major Jackson begins the episode by recounting the story of a close friend from his earlier years. Faced with the daunting prospect of paying off her college tuition, she grappled with the pressure to return home and enroll in a more affordable local college. Her parents, concerned about her financial strain, viewed her decision to attend a high-tuition institution as a misstep.

However, in a bold move to escape her mounting worries, she impulsively used a newly received credit card to embark on a spontaneous trip overseas. This decision marked the beginning of a decade-long journey where she balanced six months of waitressing in Philadelphia with six months of global travel. Her adventurous spirit and independence stood in stark contrast to her family's expectations and fears.

Major Jackson reflects on his own life changes, sharing his excitement about driving cross-country to attend graduate school at the University of Oregon. He vividly describes the mixed reactions from his family, highlighting the deep-seated fears and paradoxical support they offered. "Conceptually, they could not imagine or conceive a world beyond the one we currently inhabited," he explains, underscoring the tension between pursuing one's dreams and honoring familial ties.

The narrative culminates in his arrival in Eugene, Oregon. After an arduous road trip traversing diverse landscapes—from the Midwest's vast expanses to the rugged terrains of the Rockies and Death Valley—Major Jackson feels a profound sense of rebirth. The miles separating him from Philadelphia amplify his reflections on home, identity, and the emotional complexities of venturing into the unknown.

Poem Recitation: Some Madness There by Charlotte Pence

At the heart of the episode lies Charlotte Pence's Some Madness There, a poignant exploration of the human impulse to explore and the delicate balance between ambition and belonging. Through vivid imagery and contemplative verses, the poem delves into the "madness" that propels individuals to leave the safety of the known for the uncertainties of the vast, uncharted.

Key excerpts from the poem include:

• “It's only fully modern humans who start this thing of venturing out on the ocean where you don't see land. Part of that is technology, of course. You have to have ships to do it. But there is also, I like to say, some madness there.”

  (05:00)

• “These soft creatures we nurse in lullaby, must wriggle across the dog, up the shelves, under the fence. It's not enough, never far enough. They flock to where ground softens into waves, into riptides.”

  (05:10)

• “Here is where they need to leave more than there is where to go. Often they ask, what will we find? Not as often do they ask why they must flee the known, the home, the family who stands behind and waves. That's the one thing we're good for, we families. It's our job to wave.”

  (05:50)

These lines encapsulate the essence of the poem, highlighting the innate drive to seek new horizons while acknowledging the emotional tether to home and family. The metaphor of venturing "on the ocean where you don't see land" beautifully captures the blend of courage and folly inherent in the pursuit of the unknown.

Reflections and Insights

Through the intertwining of his personal narrative and Charlotte Pence's poetry, Major Jackson invites listeners to contemplate the universal struggle between the desire for independence and the comfort of familial connections. The episode underscores the idea that venturing out, whether physically or metaphorically, is both an act of courage and a form of madness—a necessary tension that defines the human experience.

Conclusion

This encore episode of The Slowdown masterfully blends storytelling with poetry, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and reflections. By sharing personal anecdotes and delving into Charlotte Pence's Some Madness There, Major Jackson provides a space for listeners to pause, reflect, and engage with the profound themes of adventure, identity, and the ties that bind us.

Notable Quotes:

• Major Jackson ([02:10]): "Conceptually, they could not imagine or conceive a world beyond the one we currently inhabited, one where they meticulously bestowed their nurturance and protection."

• Charlotte Pence's Poem ([05:00]): "But there is also, I like to say, some madness there."

• Charlotte Pence's Poem ([05:50]): "It's our job to wave."