Lost generation by Jonathan Reed

Introduction

Happy International Poetry Day! Since today is March 21, I would like to share one of my favorite poems with you.

Before we begin, I’d love to hear your thoughts on poetry.

• Do you like poetry?

• Do you read poetry often?

• Can you share an example of your favorite poem?

  
  

Background on the Poem

The poem I want to share with you was written in 2007 by Jonathan Reed, a 20-year-old student at Columbia College in Chicago. Reed wrote the poem in response to the "u@50" contest organized by AARP, which invited participants to produce a video showcasing their vision of the future. His poem secured second place in the contest and later became a viral sensation on the internet.

Before revealing the poem’s title, I’d like to ask:

• How do you envision the future?

• Are you optimistic or pessimistic about what lies ahead?

(After a short discussion, reveal the title of the poem: Lost Generation.)

Now that you know the title, do you think the author expresses an optimistic or pessimistic outlook on the future? Let’s listen to the poem and find out.

Listening and Interpretation

Play the poem up to the verse: “And all this will come true unless we choose to reverse it!”

Ask students:

• What message does the poem convey?

• How does it make you feel?

• Underline words or phrases that convey a pessimistic tone.

Small Group Discussion

Before continuing with the next part of the poem, break students into small groups to discuss their initial impressions. Encourage them to share their thoughts on the poem’s tone and message. After a few minutes, bring the class back together to discuss their insights.

Introduction to Palindromes

Do you know what a palindrome is? (Students may not be familiar, so briefly explain.) A palindrome is a word, phrase, or text that reads the same forward and backward, with a shift in meaning.

Now, let’s listen to the poem in reverse.

Post-Listening Discussion

After playing the poem in reverse, ask students:

• How does the meaning change?

• Which version do you relate to more?

• Underline words or phrases that now convey an optimistic tone.

• What is the main message of the poem when read normally?

• How does the meaning change when read in reverse?

• Why do you think the author chose to structure the poem this way?

  
  

Discussion Questions

• How does Lost Generation illustrate the power of perspective?

• Do you believe people are naturally more optimistic or pessimistic? Why?

• What strategies can you use to shift your mindset from pessimism to optimism in daily life?

  
  

By analyzing Lost Generation, we can see how language and structure influence meaning and how perspective shapes our understanding of the world. I hope this poem encourages you to think about the future with a fresh perspective!