Poet Cafe (Prompt for Debate via Prose or Poetry Group 03.23.25)

Two known poets from two separate times are sitting outside a small crowded cafe. The one opens the talk, asking, 'Do you know why the weather makes you want to sit on a mountain top . . .?’

Robert Frost strolled casually into a busy cafe.

Sat next to a man that looked vaguely familiar.

“My name is William” the other man said, “William Wordsworth”.

“Let me ask you son,” William went on,

“Do you know why the weather makes you want to sit on a mountaintop . . . ?”

Frost smiled,

An iconic grin.

“To see the snow!

‘Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening’(1)

Is, of course, the very reason.”

William pondered and in perfect, English stated:

“I believe you are wrong.  I found the answer when. 

‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ (2)

And danced with the daffodils!”

Frost, immediately inspired, quickly stated:

Did ‘Two roads diverged in a wood, and I 

Took the one less traveled by,’ (3)

Perhaps you choose the other?”

Before Wordsworth could respond

The two men were distracted by another,

Most handsome man. 

A thin, dark mustache,

A proper suit and

A most gorgeous smile. 

“Gentlemen,” the man said, 

“My name is Langston Hughes and conclude you are both correct,

‘Hold fast to dreams . . . ‘ (4)

Instantly the three men bonded,

Spent hours in the cafe.

My intent with this frivolous story is to  recommend the four poems referenced in this piece:

(1) Frost, Robert “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening”published 1923

(2) Wordsworth, William “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”published 1807

(3) Frost, Robert “The Road Not Taken” lines 18-19, published 1915

(4) Hughes, Langston “Dreams” line 1, published 1922

Lisa Carol Behbehani

03/23/25

Author's Note

Three of my favorite poets and my four, favorite poems.

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

You are more than a friend.. you share my thought's bloodline; you know how to look into a suggestion and make it breathe!

BY setting this idea.. two poets, etc', I hoped to discover how other writers thought of their differences to/with their would be 'fellows' as well as my suggestion. We all write for a reason.. too many reasons right now (perhaps a later topic?!), and in doing that do we aim to set unique ideas into the melting pot or go with a moment's thought?! You and I like to joust in gentle ways.. this time you have me pausing! Thank you...

[LisaCarol]

I’m hoping your “pausing” is a good thing for the beautiful lady that never sleeps. You may have noticed I don’t follow directions very well since I included three poets. Always a rebel! I like your idea of comparing ourselves to famous poets. Never thought of that since I don’t really think of myself as a poet. Love the idea of what is the reason we write. You inspire me, my friend!

[emmajoygreen]

Laughing, wish more inspiration came my way, am so lost with the letters at times. Perhaps spend more time reading and reviewing than I do..

RIGHT, mind made up: only reviewing for a while

See? You inspire me too! Apart from that, so hope all's well in your world.

[Relic]

I've read them all and your choices are good ones. :)

[LisaCarol]

Thank you for your review and comments.

[Inkspire]

Interesting concept!
Nice poem

[LisaCarol]

Thank you for reading and your review. I look forward to reading your writing as well.

[Daz]

I'm impressed you know Langston Hughes. A great American poet of the Harlem Renaissance. Also I have a copy of The Road Not taken by Robert Frost in my collection. Given to me by a friend. I must admit I haven't had the time to go through it yet. Now I'm definitely inspired to read the book. Thanks for the recommendations.
Correction - the book I have (The Road Not Taken) is a collection of Robert Frost's works. I didn't mean to rhyme there 😜

[LisaCarol]

Langston Hughes is the first poet I truly admired. His poem, Dreams, was the first poem I memorized and have often clung to in my journey through life. However, his other works on the Harlem Renaissance and insightful portrayals of Black life in America opened my eyes to a culture very different from my own. I am very interested in exploring the uniqueness in people. We all have different, very interesting stories to share.

[Daz]

I agree with you. You bring the excitement and curiosity to learning or rediscovering poetry.

[redd Brick Keshner]

Enjoyed this so much, very creative ingenuity! Frost was an early favourite of mine and Wordsworth was my dad’s, so that brings a special meaning to the table as well🙏🏻🕊️

[LisaCarol]

Thank you for your kind words and review. This was a fun project inspired by Emmajoygreen.

[redd Brick Keshner]

Most welcome 🙏🏻🕊😊

[jacob erin-cilberto]

This is very clever....the what if's of a meeting of famous poets from different eras...
And if Robert Creeley popped into the conversation with his one eye...I wonder what he would have contributed.
VEry creative work here.
j.

[LisaCarol]

Thank you for your kind words and review. Robert Creeley is another, fine suggestion. I must go back and read some of his works. This was fun to inspire others to share their favorite poets. Thanks again!