Do you know the story behind this poem? It's intriguing to me. The emotions are somewhat akin to (though distinct from) those I'm currently experiencing as an immigrant--the duality of belomging to two places, and the duality of belonging to neither.
I unfortunately do not know the background, though Mary may've mentioned it to me and memory clouded it over. I will definitely look it up, though, because I am also intrigued. What -- as you might guess -- I focused on was the character of the poet and the failure of language (in certain circumstances). It sort of makes me quake.
I would love to talk to you -- future, future, I guess -- about your experience as an immigrant. I have never had the luck (good or tough) to have a similar experience, though my work with ESL students opened my eyes to such and got me permanently fascinated.
Have you ever read Esward Said or Pico Iyer? They speak of themselves as citizens of the world, being from many cities at the same time they feel they are from nowhere in particular.
I'd like to say I'm as cosmopolitan as all that some times, but for the time being, I have to work on being a moer complex and better-hearted provincial.
the failure of language It's a great issue for discussion. Perhaps we should categorize our conversation topics by accompanying alcohol. Port? Whiskey? Guinness?
I've only had the cheapest of port, and that, with busted cork in it. Sat down with some to watch the movie Withnail and I. May have to give it another go.
For the failure of language discussion, I'd like to go with whiskey.
Beer for the discussion of the South. Your pick for discussion of Ireland and immigration.
Margaritas for discussion of relationships, dance, visual arts, or spring.
Red wine for discussion of music and sex.
Spiced rum for philosophy.
Gin and tonics for current events and politics. Lest the discussion go on too long, apply tequila shots.
I think port is best for general literary questions; would you agree?
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I would love to talk to you -- future, future, I guess -- about your experience as an immigrant. I have never had the luck (good or tough) to have a similar experience, though my work with ESL students opened my eyes to such and got me permanently fascinated.
Have you ever read Esward Said or Pico Iyer? They speak of themselves as citizens of the world, being from many cities at the same time they feel they are from nowhere in particular.
I'd like to say I'm as cosmopolitan as all that some times, but for the time being, I have to work on being a moer complex and better-hearted provincial.
Reply
It's a great issue for discussion. Perhaps we should categorize our conversation topics by accompanying alcohol. Port? Whiskey? Guinness?
Reply
For the failure of language discussion, I'd like to go with whiskey.
Beer for the discussion of the South. Your pick for discussion of Ireland and immigration.
Margaritas for discussion of relationships, dance, visual arts, or spring.
Red wine for discussion of music and sex.
Spiced rum for philosophy.
Gin and tonics for current events and politics. Lest the discussion go on too long, apply tequila shots.
I think port is best for general literary questions; would you agree?
:)
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