DeepSummary
The episode begins with Leslie Sines, the guest host, reflecting on how language often fails to adequately convey empathy or comfort during times of profound grief and loss. She acknowledges that common expressions like 'I'm sorry for your loss' or 'my deepest sympathy' rarely provide solace to those experiencing intense sorrow.
The bulk of the episode is devoted to a reading of the poem 'Urine Season' by Niina Pollari. Sines introduces the poem, describing it as a poignant and realistic portrayal of grief's grotesqueness, porousness, and suddenness. The poem itself explores themes of loss, expectation, and the cycle of life through vivid imagery and personal reflections.
After the poem reading, Sines provides closing remarks, reminding listeners of the slowdown's mission to offer a daily poetry ritual and moment of reflection. She encourages listeners to support the show through donations and highlights upcoming programming.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Language often fails to adequately express empathy or comfort to those experiencing profound grief and loss.
- The poem 'Urine Season' by Niina Pollari provides a visceral, realistic portrayal of the grotesqueness and pain of loss.
- Themes of shattered expectations, the cycle of life, and the universality of grief are explored through vivid imagery.
- Despite the inadequacy of words, there is value in striving to offer thoughtful care and support to those suffering immense sorrow.
- Poetry can serve as a vehicle for connecting to shared human experiences and emotions surrounding loss.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “When someone in my life, an acquaintance, a co worker, a friend or beloved, experiences a tremendous loss, I am acutely reminded of how language fails us.“ by Leslie Sines
- “Logically, I know there's nothing I can say to someone experiencing profound grief that will neutralize their hurt or eradicate it entirely. But the empathetic desire to try anyway, to dig deep and find a unique combination of words that offer the ultimate wellspring of support, thoughtfulness, and care, feels worthy of striving for.“ by Niina Pollari
- “I have never felt as helpless.“ by Niina Pollari
- “Some will say this is not a poem for them, but I say it's a poem for anyone who ever expected anything.“ by Niina Pollari
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Episode Information
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
American Public Media
6/26/24
Today’s poem is Urine Season by Niina Pollari.
The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Leslie Sainz writes… “When someone in my life—an acquaintance, a coworker, a friend or beloved—experiences a tremendous loss, I am acutely reminded of how language fails us. We give out heartfelt condolences such as “I’m sorry for your loss,” “My deepest sympathy,” or “Thinking of you during these difficult times.” But they do not resurrect the dead and rarely comfort the living.”
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