1531: Cheap Magic by Arielle Hebert

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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