
1531: Cheap Magic by Arielle Hebert
From The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily by American Public Media
June 5, 2026 · 6 min
About this episode
This episode features the poem 'Cheap Magic' by Arielle Hebert, exploring themes of identity and self-expression through costumes.
Today’s poem is Cheap Magic by Arielle Hebert. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “When we wear a costume, or even an uncharacteristic outfit, it’s possible to let go of the expectations other people set for us. Sometimes disappearing into another identity makes you more of yourself, not less. Being inside a persona might make you freer, not more constrained.” This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation and get access to the sponsor-free version of The Slowdown today. Slowdownshow.org/donate
People in this episode
Host: Maggie Smith
Guest: Arielle Hebert
Topics covered
- poetry
- identity
- self-expression
- costumes
- freedom
Keywords
- poem
- Arielle Hebert
- identity
- freedom
- costume
- self-expression
- The Slowdown
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: American Public Media
Books & works: Cheap Magic
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