Name: Poetry of youth and age
Uploaded: 2009-03-30T01:00:00Z
Duration: 23 min 4 s
Description: Poet C.K. Williams reads his work at TED2001. As he colors scenes of childhood resentments, college loves, odd neighbors and the literal death of youth, he reminds us of the unique challenges of living.

Poet C.K. Williams reads his work at TED2001. As he colors scenes of childhood resentments, college loves, odd neighbors and the literal death of youth, he reminds us of the unique challenges of living.

Poetry of youth and age

Life’s journey weaves together moments of childhood resentment, adult desire, and the ache of mortality. A grandmother’s soap, a neighbor’s ruined life, and a young woman’s leap from a school window all reveal how pain and tenderness echo across generations. Even an awkward moment in a waiting room can stir longing for lost innocence or spark memories of wild horses and first passions. Through poetry, life’s joys and sorrows become both confession and connection.