Module 6 Dicussion: Poetry

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 Overview and Prompt

Often prose writers spend a great deal of time reading poetry (to help with imagery and word choice); today’s poets are often songwriters who use sound to enhance the words. Choose one song that uses lyrics in a poetic way and, then, discuss why it appeals to you. Please include the lyrics of the song and a link to the songwriter’s version.  

Please see the following sample (you will post your own and then explain why you find appealing):

Lyrics of “Sounds of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel

“The Sound Of Silence”

Hello darkness, my old friend
I’ve come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence

In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
‘Neath the halo of a streetlamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence

And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
No one dare
Disturb the sound of silence

“Fools” said I, “You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you”
But my words like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silence

And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said “The words of the prophets
Are written on subway walls
And tenement halls
And whispered in the sounds of silence” 

Disturbed – The Sound Of Silence (Links to an external site.)     

 Guidelines

Your initial response should include your chosen lyrics as well as a link to a video of the song. Your reflection should be around 250 words. Your response to a classmates’ discussion should be around 100 words and add to the discussion (i.e. posing questions, reflecting on their response, etc.). All posts and responses should contain proper grammar, be free of spelling errors, be substantial, and reflect critical thinking.

Canvas Guide: How to Link a YouTube Video in a Discussion (Links to an external site.)

Remember: Be supportive, considerate, and constructive when replying to your classmates.