The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
Episode: [encore] 865: Worry (the Dybbuk) by Anthony Immergluck
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Host: Major Jackson

Introduction and Personal Reflections

Timestamp: 00:31

In this encore episode of "The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily," host Major Jackson revisits a beloved episode from his tenure on the show. He begins by sharing a deeply personal narrative that sets the stage for the day's reflection on worry.

Major recounts his childhood experiences, highlighting the constant presence of anxiety shaped by both personal and familial challenges. He reflects:

"My very first worry in life was 12-year-old Billy Mack. His father purchased a Rottweiler, a dog that he trained to be as mean as the punks who bullied Billy."
[00:31]

This anecdote serves as a metaphor for the pervasive nature of worry, illustrating how early experiences can shape one's approach to anxiety. Major delves into his journey from a childhood fraught with fears—such as encountering a vicious dog on the way to school—to developing a "keep it chill" attitude as an adult:

"Now I almost never worry about anything from missing a flight to talking to strangers. No doubt I faced challenges. My keep it chill attitude was hard won in many instances."
[02:15]

Despite his efforts to embrace uncertainty and maintain composure, Major acknowledges the continued presence of worries in his life. He candidly discusses modern anxieties, including financial instability and political dissonance:

"Paycheck to paycheck, living made me vulnerable to medical emergencies. After living through all manner of personal and communal tribulations, I've come to believe things will work themselves out."
[04:00]

Major emphasizes that while his worries haven't vanished, he has learned coping mechanisms to manage them, likening worry to a persistent companion:

"It's not that the worries have gone away. Just like in my early days, I've learned to find ways to ease the burdens and uneasiness of living."
[05:20]

Featured Poem: "Worry (the Dybbuk)" by Anthony Immergluck

Timestamp: 04:34

The core of the episode features Anthony Immergluck's poignant poem, "Worry (the Dybbuk)," which Major Jackson thoughtfully presents. The poem personifies worry, exploring its omnipresence and intricate role in human existence. Immergluck writes:

"Mother and I have a worry
father, and once they shared a worry
and my own worry
a sprout in this worry dirt
bullied by the worry weeds
spoiled by the worry's sun and rain,"
[04:34]

The metaphor of worry as a tangible entity cultivated and nurtured over generations underscores its deep-rooted influence. The poem continues to dissect the nature of worry, illustrating its pervasive impact on daily life and interpersonal relationships:

"we wonder if there ever was
and ever could be a home with no worry
chewing through the attic,
and we wonder how a shoulder
might shoulder unburdened by this dybbuk."
[05:10]

Immergluck's use of vivid imagery and metaphor conveys the struggle to escape worry, yet also acknowledges its integral role:

"the worry is the current and we are its conductors,
and the worry is the currency we interchange on holidays
and the worry is the ribbon of rot running deep in the center of a chestnut."
[05:45]

The poem culminates in a reflection on the paradoxical nature of worry:

"I worry that were we to land on an island without worry
our worries would starve or worse, survive on each other's meat.
And I worry that the worry is the best of us."
[06:10]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 06:34

Major Jackson concludes the episode by tying the themes of the poem back to his own experiences and broader human conditions. He reiterates the idea that worry, while challenging, is a fundamental aspect of life that shapes resilience and empathy:

"Of course, I'm not trying to find a fully anxiety-free existence. It’s good to have a barking dog occasionally at one's heels. I just try to walk past it when I need to."
[06:00]

Major invites listeners to embrace their worries not by eliminating them, but by acknowledging and managing them thoughtfully. He underscores the importance of poetry as a medium for understanding and navigating the complexities of the human experience.

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with a brief mention of American Public Media's collaborations and support, encouraging listeners to engage with "The Slowdown" through various platforms:

"To get a poem delivered to you daily, go to slowdownshow.org and sign up for our newsletter. Find us on Instagram and Twitter."
[06:34]

Key Takeaways

1. Personal Narratives Illuminate Universal Themes: Major Jackson’s storytelling bridges personal experiences with broader existential concerns, making the content relatable and impactful.

2. Worry as an Integral Part of Life: The featured poem encapsulates the inescapable nature of worry, presenting it as both a burden and a catalyst for growth.

3. Coping Mechanisms Over Complete Elimination: Embracing uncertainties and finding ways to manage anxiety are highlighted as more realistic and sustainable approaches than striving for an emotionless existence.

4. The Power of Poetry in Reflection: Poetry serves as a powerful tool for introspection and communal understanding, offering solace and insight into shared human experiences.

For those who haven't listened to this episode, "Worry (the Dybbuk)" offers a profound exploration of anxiety's role in our lives, balanced by Major Jackson's personal reflections and the evocative power of poetry. Whether you're seeking comfort, understanding, or simply a moment of pause, this episode provides a thoughtful and enriching experience.