Arts! By the People

In today’s class, we discussed Robert Frost’s 1920 poem, “The Road not Taken” and Bob Dylan’s 1964 poem, “My Back Pages.” The group looked at original photographs depicting roads and horizons for Frost’s poem and an abstract portrait for Dylan’s. We realized there is a strong connection to these two works and spoke about the historical context that they were both written, World War I and the Vietnam War.

Upon completion of their collaborative poem, we discussed the title and the use of the word hell. They insisted it should be left in because they felt it was their own “artistic freedom to choose.”

As they got up to leave they told me that this session triggered some very deep thoughts for them. They told me they enjoyed the class but requested for the next one if it would be possible to read poetry about summer flowers!

A big thanks to Dana DeBarros. Dana transcribed the work and also allowed us to use her original photographs.

What the hell are we going to do now with the path we have chosen?

If I could choose my path, I don’t think I’d do anything different than what I have done.

If I could choose my path, I would have more compassion, and had more depth with people.

If I could choose my path, it would encompass all the areas of gray, black, white and in-between.

If I could choose my path, I would have appreciated the moment.

If I could choose my path, I would put a lot more thought into the initial choice, because after choosing you make room for correction and the choice would be wiser.

If I could choose my path, I’d linger longer and listen to the sages.

If I could choose my path, I think I wouldn’t have jumped to things; I would have given it more thought.

Created by the participants of the Lester Senior Housing Talking Poetry class, July 1, 2011.