R.K. Russell: They/Them by Danez Smith (Extended Version)
Today’s poem is They/Them by Danez Smith, with special guest R.K. Russell. R.K. Russell is an NFL legend, writer, and social justice advocat...
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The Slowdown
Every weekday, U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith delivers a different way to see the world – through poetry. Produced in partnership with the Library of Congress and the Poetry Foundation.
Episodes
20 of 518 episodes
R.K. Russell: They/Them by Danez Smith
Today’s poem is They/Them by Danez Smith, with special guest R.K. Russell. R.K. Russell is an NFL legend, writer, and social justice advocat...
1337: [encore] New York Address by Linda Gregg
Today’s poem is New York Address by Linda Gregg. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this encore episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s p...
1335: [encore] Bonfire Opera by Danusha Laméris
Today’s poem is Bonfire Opera by Danusha Laméris. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this encore episode, Maggie writes… “Yes, I h...
1334: [encore] Étude by Amy Gerstler
Today’s poem is Étude by Amy Gerstler. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this encore episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem is a c...
David Duchovny: Dream Song 1 by John Berryman (Extended Version)
Today’s poem is Dream Song 1 by John Berryman, with special guest David Duchovny. You know him from his breakout role as Fox Mulder on The X...
David Duchovny: Dream Song 1 by John Berryman
Today’s poem is Dream Song 1 by John Berryman, with special guest David Duchovny. You know him from his breakout role as Fox Mulder on The X...
1333: [encore] Crossing the Line by E. Ethelbert Miller
Today’s poem is Crossing the Line by E. Ethelbert Miller. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s...
1430: [encore] Earth Shovel by Dan Albergotti
Today’s poem is Earth Shovel by Dan Albergotti. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem, whi...
1359: [encore] Lotioning My Mother’s Back by Ama Codjoe
Today’s poem is Lotioning My Mother’s Back by Ama Codjoe. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “The wor...
[encore] 1501: at the baggage claim in JFK by Lo Naylor
Today’s poem is at the baggage claim in JFK by Lo Naylor. This episode was originally released on April 24, 2026. The Slowdown is your daily...
[encore] 1445: Hackberry by Cecily Parks
Today’s poem is Hackberry by Cecily Parks. This episode was originally released on January 29, 2026. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritua...
[encore] 1568: Panegyric by Leila Farjami
Today’s poem is Panegyric by Leila Farjami. This episode was originally released on July 28, 2026. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual....
[encore] 1507: How to Dress a Star by Nicholas Goodly
Today’s poem is How to Dress a Star by Nicholas Goodly. This episode was originally released on May 4, 2026. The Slowdown is your daily poet...
[encore] 1347: Animal Prudence by Kathy Fagan
Today’s poem is Animal Prudence by Kathy Fagan. This episode was originally released on September 8, 2025. The Slowdown is your daily poetry...
[encore] 1336: I Find Myself Defending Pigeons by Keith S. Wilson
Today’s poem is I Find Myself Defending Pigeons by Keith S. Wilson. This episode was originally released on August 22, 2025. The Slowdown is...
[encore] 1369: Six Hours Lost, Land Between the Lakes by Kathleen Driskell
Today’s poem is Six Hours Lost, Land Between the Lakes by Kathleen Driskell. This episode was originally released on October 8, 2025. The Sl...
[encore] 1520: The New City by Hieu Minh Nguyen
Today’s poem is The New City by Hieu Minh Nguyen. This episode was originally released on May 21, 2026. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ri...
[encore] 1412: Ledge (ars poetica) (love poem) (true story) by Amorak Huey
Today’s poem is Ledge (ars poetica) (love poem) (true story) by Amorak Huey. This episode was originally released on December 15, 2025. The...
[encore] 1427: A toast to something beautiful flapping in the wind by J. Hope Stein
Today’s poem is A toast to something beautiful flapping in the wind by J. Hope Stein. This episode was originally released on January 5, 202...