SESSION 4 — The Journey

Photo by Florian Olivo on Unsplash

Discussion:

• Life is a journey. And since art imitates life … Well, it’s no surprise that journeys show up everywhere—in novels, movies, plays, and poems.

• What type of journey do you think the poet is referring to in the following poem?

• How does the poem’s structure (the way it’s written) and techniques (like punctuation or repetition) reflect or amplify the idea of a journey?

Nikki Giovanni (1943 - 2024), a renowned Black American poet and activist, often explored themes of resilience, identity, and personal growth. This poem invites us to reflect on life’s unpredictable paths.

A Journey

It’s a journey . . . that I propose . . . I am not the guide . . . nor technical assistant . . . I will be your fellow passenger . . .

Though the rail has been ridden . . . winter clouds cover . . . autumn’s exuberant quilt . . . we must provide our own guide-posts . . .

I have heard . . . from previous visitors . . . the road washes out sometimes . . . and passengers are compelled . . . to continue groping . . . or turn back . . . I am not afraid . . .

I am not afraid . . . of rough spots . . . or lonely times . . . I don’t fear . . . the success of this endeavor . . . I am Ra . . . in a space . . . not to be discovered . . . but invented . . .

I promise you nothing . . . I accept your promise . . . of the same we are simply riding . . . a wave . . . that may carry . . . or crash . . .

It’s a journey . . . and I want . . . to go . . .

Writing Prompt

1.What types of journeys have you embarked on? Write a poem about a journey—whether it’s a physical trip, a personal transformation, or a metaphorical one.

Here are some things to think about as you write:

• Is your poem addressed to someone, or is it a personal reflection? Either approach works!

• How can the structure of your poem reflect the journey? For instance, long, flowing lines might feel like a steady path, while short, fragmented lines could suggest abrupt stops and starts.

• What mood or emotion do you want your poem to capture, and how can the structure or techniques (like repetition, rhythm, or imagery) help convey it?

If you’d like to share your new creation with us, click below. We’d love to read your work!