[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...
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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 500 episodes
[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...
[encore] 1491: The Plum You're Going to Eat Next Summer by Gayle Brandeis
Today’s poem is The Plum You're Going to Eat Next Summer by Gayle Brandeis. This episode was originally released on April 10, 2026. The Slow...
[encore] 1358: Parts of a Body House by Erika Meitner
Today’s poem is Parts of a Body House by Erika Meitner. This episode was originally released on September 23, 2025. The Slowdown is your dai...
[encore] 1478: If Night You Were a City by Adam Wiedewitsch
Today’s poem is If Night You Were a City by Adam Wiedewitsch. This episode was originally released on March 17, 2026. The Slowdown is your d...
[encore] 1362: For You Who Have Loved Old Dogs by Silas House
Today’s poem is For You Who Have Loved Old Dogs by Silas House. This episode was originally released on September 29, 2025. The Slowdown is...
[encore] 1373: Protection Spell Jar by Cynthia Marie Hoffman
Today’s poem is Protection Spell Jar by Cynthia Marie Hoffman. This episode was originally released on October 14, 2025. The Slowdown is you...
1586: WHITMAN: by Larry Levis
Today’s poem is WHITMAN: by Larry Levis. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes… “Every y...
1585: Dialogue on Violence by Jayne Cortez
Today’s poem is Dialogue on Violence by Jayne Cortez. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon wri...
1584: Missed Time by Ha Jin
Today’s poem is Missed Time by Ha Jin. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes… “I love to...
1583: Are You Not Tired Yet? by Mohammed al-Khatib, translated by Tayseer Abu Odeh and Sherah Bloor
Today’s poem is Are You Not Tired Yet? by Mohammed al-Khatib. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kie...
1582: Visitor's Center by T Bambrick
Today’s poem is Visitor's Center by T Bambrick. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes… “...
From Death of an Artist | Petra Mathers and Her Michael
We’re bringing you a preview of the new series from the podcast, Death of An Artist. In February 2024, celebrated children’s book author and...
1581: Stop Thinking & End Your Problems by Elisa Gabbert
Today’s poem is Stop Thinking & End Your Problems by Elisa Gabbert. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host My...
1580: Story of My Life by Jameson Fitzpatrick
Today’s poem is Story of My Life by Jameson Fitzpatrick. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon...
1579: Rain by Jennifer Grotz
Today’s poem is Rain by Jennifer Grotz. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes… “Loss of...
1578: Lover of Cars by Olivia Sokolowski
Today’s poem is Lover of Cars by Olivia Sokolowski. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon write...
1577: Portrait of the Speaker Riding a Greyhound Bus by Eduardo Martinez-Leyva
Today’s poem is Portrait of the Speaker Riding a Greyhound Bus by Eduardo Martinez-Leyva. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this...
[encore] 1486: from Perihelion: A History of Touch by Franny Choi
The Slowdown is taking a break. We’ll be back soon with new episodes. This encore episode was originally released on April 3, 2026. Today’s...
[encore] 1438: The Long Now by Robin Beth Schaer
The Slowdown is taking a break. We’ll be back soon with new episodes. This encore episode was originally released on January 20, 2026. Today...