Boston Originals: Fall 2017 Reading | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

A collection of poems touching on themes of identity, family, and the passage of time, set against the backdrop of Boston.

Key Insights

• 🎁 The "Boston Originals" series celebrates the diversity and present tensions within the Boston community, showcasing local poets and thinkers who represent these qualities.
• 🤑 Susan Barba's poetry captures the beauty and transience of memory and time through rich imagery and reflections on everyday objects.
• 🏙️ The speaker's relationship with Boston is complex, but filled with affection and a deep appreciation for the city's unique characteristics.

Transcript

okay so before I introduce this evening's event I wanted to take a moment to present this year's friend of the word award and give this certificate worth nothing and everything as for Hayes would say to none other than Jim Dunn for his for his love and care and democratic tending to so many lone magnificent members of our community among them the l... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of the "Boston Originals" poetry reading series?

The "Boston Originals" series is important as it showcases dynamic local poets and thinkers who represent the diversity and present tensions of both Boston and the United States.

Q: How does Susan Barba's poetry explore themes of memory and time?

Susan Barba's poetry delves into the intricacies of memory and time, capturing the beauty and transience of these concepts through vivid imagery and reflective musings on ordinary objects like flowers and stones.

Q: What is the main theme explored in the content?

The main theme explored is the speaker's relationship to Boston, their deep affection for the city's diversity and unique qualities, and their contemplations on identity and family.

Q: How does the speaker reflect on their relationship with their father in the content?

The speaker reflects on their father as someone who had high expectations and ambitions for his children, yet also acknowledges the complexities and contradictions in their relationship, particularly in terms of their identity and sense of self.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker reminisces about a friend receiving an award and expresses their deep appreciation for the diversity and uniqueness found in Boston.

• The poetry reading series, "Boston Originals," is introduced as a celebration of the present tense of Boston's poetry scene and its contribution to the larger community.

• Susan Barba reads poems that explore themes of memory, time, and the intricate beauty found in everyday objects like flowers and stones.

• The speaker reflects on their connection to Boston and the complexities and contradictions of their relationship with their father.