1535: Goldfish by Francisco Márquez

1535: Goldfish by Francisco Márquez

From The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily by American Public Media

June 11, 2026 · 6 min

About this episode

This episode features the poem 'Goldfish' by Francisco Márquez, reflecting on death and the human instinct to witness.

Today’s poem is Goldfish by Francisco Márquez. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Diannely Antigua writes… “When it comes to death, we often have a need to witness. It is our human instinct to see and touch, to hear their silence. I remember wondering why it was called a wake service and learning that it comes from staying awake, from keeping vigil over the body before burial. We’re keeping the dead company as they transition, much like we would with a friend at a train station before they move across the country.” 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

Guest: Diannely Antigua

Topics covered

  • poetry
  • death
  • vigil
  • human instinct
  • transition

Keywords

  • Goldfish
  • Francisco Márquez
  • poetry
  • death
  • vigil
  • human instinct
  • transition

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: American Public Media

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