On Poetry….

I like poetry, but poetry doesn’t like me. (Lol !) Well, I guess, I have not really tapped this area, as I am more inclined to writing features and columns.

Anyhow, I really like poetry. In college,  I had this subject on “Oral Interpretation” where we read stories, essays, poetry and all sorts of literature which we recited in theatrical presentation. I remember our finals was in the form of a Readers’ Night where we donned black costumes from head to foot, placed our manuscripts in black folders, and installed special lighting which was so subdued it gave an eerie mystical feeling.  

I have been thinking of staging the same theatrical reading here in Dagupan,  but I am not sure if there are enthusiasts out there who share the same interest.

The following is one of my favorites. Written by Rod McKuen, I wish to dedicate it to the graduates out there who are about to set foot in another realm.

Traveling Companions

Most highways lead away

                               not to

it is the same with roads

and country paths.

Goodbye to what we knew -

hello may never come again.

With suitcase packed

and trunk filled up with nothing,

                               everything we have,

it takes another reticule

to hold the remnants of our past lives

while leaving room enough

to stuff in some remaining bag

whatever trash or treasure

                               lies ahead.

Together

we may go down roads

that seem to have

no sense or sensibility.

But who’s to know

what hamlet waiting

                                down the trail

will capture our imaginations,

those we thought too old

to be of use,

and make us see

a different side of truth.