Summary of "The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily" Episode [902]: "Morning in a City" by J. Mae Barizo

Release Date: March 26, 2025

Introduction

In episode [902] of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, hosted by Major Jackson and produced by American Public Media in partnership with The Poetry Foundation, listeners are guided through a contemplative journey inspired by the poem "Morning in a City" by J. Mae Barizo. This episode delves deep into personal reflections, the significance of memory, and the intricate relationship between everyday moments and poetic expression.

Personal Reflections and Memory

Major Jackson opens the episode by sharing a personal anecdote that sets the tone for the day’s reflection. He recounts an incident where a colleague returned his misplaced trench coat, symbolizing more than just a forgotten item but a reflection of his own scattered thoughts and memories.

"I have a horrible habit lately of leaving my personal items behind me in rooms, restaurants, and store counters, where I'm often called back by a cashier." (00:28)

Jackson uses this metaphor to explore the broader theme of memory retention and the fear of losing cherished moments. He humorously admits to misplacing everyday items like his phone and glasses but expresses a deeper concern about losing the landscapes and memories that hold significant emotional value.

"Let me not misrepresent I'm not suffering a crisis. I'm just suddenly aware the world is receding and I want to hold it close as long as possible." (02:15)

Exploring "Morning in a City" by J. Mae Barizo

Transitioning into the heart of the episode, Major Jackson introduces "Morning in a City" as an homage to poet Robert Haas. He interprets the poem as a meditation on the fragility of memory and the beauty found in fleeting moments.

Themes and Analysis

• Transient Nature of Memory: Jackson reflects on how memories often linger on the periphery of our consciousness, much like the fleeting notes of a Haydn sonata played by Pogorelich. He emphasizes the idea that while specific details may fade, the emotional essence remains.

  "Morning in a City suggests one possible way of retaining is to live in the music of our existence, where memories, though fleeting and at our peripheries still carry indulgences of delight." (03:45)

• Interplay of Emotion and Detail: The episode delves into the poem's exploration of how specific details can both enhance and obscure the overall emotional impact of a moment. Jackson discusses the balance between appreciating the intricacies of a scene and recognizing the overarching beauty it holds.

  "The dilemma always is forgetting the notion that details cancel out the affect of a moment, beauty concealed by particularities." (04:10)

• Musicality in Poetry: Highlighting the poem's lyrical quality, Jackson draws parallels between the structure of the poem and musical compositions. He notes how the rhythm and cadence of the words mirror the ebb and flow of music, creating a harmonious blend of sound and meaning.

  "Just as there is no fixed reaction to this adagio or to the sound of the word donasijah when it is whispered." (05:00)

Personal Connection and Nostalgia

Major Jackson shares his personal memories intertwined with the themes of the poem, such as childhood experiences near limestone quarries and swimming for crayfish. These recollections serve to illustrate the universal human experience of holding onto memories that define our identities and emotional landscapes.

"Las rocas mimosa tree, a cloud hung sky longing because it is so full of passing places... limestone quarries I used to swim in, where I caught crayfish with my bare hands, the lilacs and their thousand petal tongues." (05:30)

Insights and Conclusions

Concluding the episode, Jackson emphasizes the importance of poetry as a vessel for preserving and reflecting upon our shared human experiences. He suggests that through poetry, we find a means to anchor our transient moments, ensuring that even as the world around us changes, the essence of our memories and emotions remains intact.

"Our longing like a famine in a green country, my childhood sonatas... where memories and melodies intertwine to form the soundtrack of our lives." (06:10)

Jackson invites listeners to embrace the ebb and flow of their memories, finding solace and inspiration in the poetic expressions that capture the beauty and complexity of their journeys.

Conclusion

Episode [902] of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily offers a profound exploration of memory, emotion, and the enduring power of poetry. Through Major Jackson's insightful commentary and the evocative verses of J. Mae Barizo's "Morning in a City", listeners are encouraged to pause, reflect, and cherish the fleeting moments that shape their lives.

Connect with The Slowdown:

To receive a daily dose of poetry and reflection, visit slowdownshow.org and subscribe to their newsletter. Follow them on Instagram at @slowdownshow to stay updated on the latest episodes and events.