And it’s hardly an accident that Robert Frost coupled poetry and power, for he saw poetry as the means of saving power from itself. When power leads man towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.
Photo courtesy John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
I have to admit to obsessive watching of all the JFK specials on TV this week. That man certainly knew how to put together a sentence (as did Ted Sorenson, his speechwriter, of course...but in listening to JFK speak extemporaneously, it's amazing to see how comfortable he was with language, how at ease, how graceful.) His praise of Frost is right on target.
ReplyDeleteWise words spoken by a great man. I recently came across an anthology of family favorites selected by Jackie O.
ReplyDeleteJulie, isn't it funny how Kennedy thought Sorenson's speech was "thin and stale"? No thinness at all to Kennedy's remarks!
ReplyDeleteI go kind of crazy when I start in with the "what if" thoughts. What if Oswald missed and Kennedy had lived? Would the world be different today? I can only think yes.