Podcast Summary: [Encore] 995: "Dear—" by DéLana R.A. Dameron

Podcast Information

• Title: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
• Host/Author: American Public Media
• Description: Hosted by Major Jackson, The Slowdown offers a daily moment of pause through the sharing of poetry. Each short episode features a poem and a reflection, aiming to inspire, calm, and engage listeners with works from both emerging and established poets. Produced in partnership with The Poetry Foundation and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the podcast serves as a daily ritual for moments of introspection amid the hustle of daily life.

Episode Details

• Episode: [Encore] 995: "Dear—" by DéLana R.A. Dameron
• Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction and Context

At the outset of the episode, Major Jackson revisits one of his favorite episodes from his tenure on The Slowdown, setting the stage for a deeply personal and reflective exploration of the poem "Dear—" by DéLana R.A. Dameron.

Major Jackson shares a poignant personal anecdote to frame the poem:

“My friend handed me a basket of bread across the restaurant table. We hadn't seen each other in a year. I was thrilled to be in her company again. Being a decade and a half older, she was more like a big sister, a successful installation artist whose intellect and soulful spirit I cherished. I reached for slices of focaccia and noticed the sullen look on her face…” ([02:15])

This narrative establishes a foundation of personal connection and emotional depth, highlighting themes of loneliness and the complexities of human relationships.

Personal Reflection and Connection

Jackson delves deeper into his friend's emotional turmoil:

“I gently inquired. She broke and with a quivering voice said, I'm turning 50 and I am so alone…” ([01:30])

He recounts her struggles in a controlling relationship with a philosophy professor, emphasizing the psychological impact of such dynamics:

“His disapproval of her art projects sent her to the sofa for days, depressed and unworthy. One phone call from him released her from a state of misery.” ([03:05])

Through this story, Jackson draws parallels to his own experiences with regret and the challenges of ending tumultuous relationships:

“I once entered into a relationship that went longer than it should. I did not want to give up, as I felt previous partners had done with me.” ([04:45])

These reflections underscore the universal quest for love and companionship, often at the expense of personal well-being.

Presentation of the Poem: "Dear—" by DéLana R.A. Dameron

Major Jackson introduces the poem, setting expectations for its thematic resonance with loneliness and the longing for connection:

“Today's poem of rhyming couplet speaks a truth about loneliness. The wish for sustaining love and companionship motivates us to work through our differences, sometimes at the expense of our emotional health.” ([05:10])

"Dear—" is then read, encapsulating the raw emotions of loneliness and the yearning for meaningful relationships:

I have finally settled into some semblance of living.
Winter's just to come around the corner…
(Full poem recited from [05:35] to [06:30])

The poem delves into personal vulnerabilities, the struggle with isolation, and the delicate balance between self-reliance and the desire for interpersonal connections.

Conclusion and Reflection

In wrapping up, Jackson reflects on the poem's themes and his own understanding of loneliness:

“I think maybe time changes you or else loneliness. This life is like you taught me over the oven, sifting flour through a sieve to loosen it up...” ([06:00])

He connects the poem to broader life lessons about resilience and the continuous effort to overcome hard times:

“Well, I'm old enough to understand it better now we push and press past the hard times. What you showed me then has worked so far.” ([06:20])

Additional Content: Public Media Support

Micah, the lead producer of The Slowdown, briefly discusses the importance of supporting public media amidst financial challenges:

“If you want to protect your favorite public media podcasts like this one, visit americanpublicmedia.org/action to learn how you can help.” ([06:46])

This segment emphasizes the community's role in sustaining platforms that provide cultural and educational content.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Depth: The episode artfully intertwines personal anecdotes with poetic expression, offering listeners a profound exploration of loneliness and the human desire for connection.

• Relatability: Through Major Jackson's storytelling and the evocative poem "Dear—," the episode resonates with anyone grappling with similar emotional landscapes.

• Support for Arts: Highlighting partnerships with organizations like The Poetry Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, the podcast underscores the collective effort to promote and sustain artistic endeavors.

Notable Quotes:

• Major Jackson: “I'm turning 50 and I am so alone.” ([01:30])
• DéLana R.A. Dameron in Poem: “Mama called, I answer. She asked around work, school, am I safe? She'd heard news about shootings. I'm fine, I say.” ([05:50])

Conclusion: This encore episode of The Slowdown serves as a compelling reminder of poetry's power to encapsulate and convey complex emotions. By blending personal narrative with literary artistry, Major Jackson invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of loneliness and the enduring pursuit of meaningful relationships.