'U' prof. leads poetry reading

It was a beautiful autumn day, a perfect opportunity for a poetry reading in the Arb.

That's how English Prof. Richard Tillinghast said he felt as he recited Robert Frost's poetry while strolling leisurely down paths and past streams with a group of 40-50 intent listeners.

Tillinghast led the group through Nichols Arboretum with a book of Frost poems tucked under his arm, stopping at places he found suitable for the readings of some of his favorite Frost offerings.

"Since Frost was an avid walker, this would've been a natural place for him to come and walk," Tillinghast said.

Frost spent about three years in Ann Arbor, first in 1921 and again in 1925. Tillinghast said the time Frost spent here qualified him as an official Ann Arborite despite claims made by other communities and universities.

KEREN SACHS /Daily English Prof. Richard Tillinghast reads "After Apple Picking" by Robert Frost to an audience in the Nichols Arboretum yesterday.

"They (Dartmouth) make such a fuss," Tillinghast said. "But people don't think to commemorate him here because he is so closely related to New England."

At one time, Frost lived on South University Avenue, but when he came back to visit, he stayed at the Inglis House on the edge of the Arboretum.

Inger Schultz, a development officer for the Arboretum, said even more than 70 years ago, the scenic grounds were an inspirational place for creative minds.

"There used to be (an Inglis House) gate that opened up into the Arb," making the Arboretum an appropriate place for the reading, Schultz said.

While sifting through Frost's poetry, Tillinghast encountered a reference by Frost to a clock tower, which he said clearly refers to the University's Burton Tower. Unfortunately, he was unable to find the poem during his "Frost on the Flowers" tour yesterday.

"It's known by people who knew Frost that the poem was written in Ann Arbor," Tillinghast said.

Tillinghast agreed to coordinate the Arboretum's Frost reading and tour because of the poet's ability to convey "simple everyday things with an extra dimension."

As he led the group from a stream to a wood pile, to a clump of birch, apple, and pine trees, Tillinghast recited a variety of Frost poems including "Spring Pools" and "After Apple Picking."

"Poetry is good about expressing a wish that you know is impossible, but you have to express it anyway," Tillinghast said after reading "Spring Pools" by a stream.

Tillinghast feels that in order to get a "better sense of who we are, we need a better sense of who we were and where we are coming from."

This touches upon one of the points that University President Lee Bollinger stated in his acceptance address in February. As he accepted the Board of Regents' offer of the University presidency, he recited "Spring Pools" and stated that the University often fails to appreciate its history. In reference to Bollinger's speech, Tillinghast agreed that "Michigan tends to take a lot of things for granted about itself as an institution."

"We have a long distinguished literary history and we don't make use of it," Tillinghast said. "We should celebrate our history by becoming aware of it."

Tillinghast's excitement for the Frost readings brought out a similar feeling amongst spectators.

LSA junior Phoebe Slater said the tour and reading were complemented well by the weather.

"It was beautiful poetry, in a beautiful place, on a beautiful day," she said.

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