Something There Is That Doesn't Love a Wall

Robert Frost 1913

Wow. I find it hard to believe that Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall" was first published in 1914 -over a hundred years ago. It might be worth rereading if you haven't cracked a poetry book in a while. Modern times being what they are, he is also on youtube reading the thing out loud for Pete's sake.

"Before I built a wall I'd ask to know

What I was walling in or walling out,

And to whom I was like to give offense."

I'm with Robert.

In the meantime, while we are busy discussing walls, we might forget that this is really about people. People who are driven to leave their homes in hopes of finding a better life in another country.

One such person is Massama Dogo. He felt compelled to come here about fifteen years ago.  Now he keeps one foot in D.C. and one foot in Togo where he is working on musical projects. His latest video was shot both here and in Africa.  I can't understand a lot of French, but the poignancy of leaving all you know and love for opportunities elsewhere comes through loud and clear.

Massama's band DOGO will be performing at the Bossa Bistro + Lounge Thursday night. Friday night the Bold Deceivers are back doing their thing at Hell's Bottom a.k.a. the Takoma VFW.  Look for more things to do on DC ROCKS calendar and keep thinking about those walls.