JFK and Poetry

John F. Kennedy(photo credit: Cecil Stoughton, public domain)

May I share a quote from John F. Kennedy that I keep above my desk –
from his address at Amhurst College, October 26, 1963

“When power leads man toward arrogance,
poetry reminds him of his limitations.
When power narrows the areas of man’s concerns,
Poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence.
When power corrupts,
Poetry cleanses
For art establishes the basic human truths
Which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment.”

John F. Kennedy

Watch and listen as my grandson Rowan reads President Kennedy’s poem.

Thank you, JFK.  I too am a believer in the power of poetry – to heal us, to give us courage. More than ever our souls need poetry, music, dance …. expressions from the heart.