Hey, it's Major. Over the past few years, I've had the great privilege of sharing poetry with you

and offering a daily moment to pause and slow down. Today, we're revisiting one of my favorite episodes

from my time on the show. I hope you enjoy this selection.

I'm Major Jackson, and this is The Slowdown. I woke up recently with the Rams.

That's what we called it in my youth,

when someone was angry for no reason

and seemed to want to butt heads with everyone.

On this particular morning, I was salty.

We ran out of coffee, which meant I had to make a quick run to the grocery store,

which meant I had to spend 30 minutes or more in traffic,

which meant my day would start later than desired.

I had essays to grade in meetings with colleagues and with Micah, my lovely producer.

But none of that happens without caffeine.

I grabbed my keys and slammed the door.

For some reason, every time I start my car, it plays a foggy day in London town, sung by Leslie Hutchison, a 1920 singer I discovered by going down a rabbit hole.

Every trip feels like Groundhog Day, the movie, which on this day really annoyed me.

I changed from Bluetooth to the radio.

The morning commute DJs with their high-octane laughter annoyed me.

The grocery store ran out of my favorite brand.

That annoyed me.

The store clerk peered on the shelf, reached his arm in the deep back, and pulled out a bag. He cheerily handed it to me. His joy was annoying, slightly toxic. At home, Dee Dee noticed and said, woke up on the wrong side of the bed? And I said, I hate that phrase.

Then I apologized. This isn't me, I said. She said, go ahead. Live in your feelings.

...