The seven oldest students are taking part in a poetry class, which was inspired by Bob Dylan’s recent nomination for the Nobel Prize for Literature. We started the discussion discussing the difference between a poet and a lyricist. It was interesting that all but one student didn’t feel that Bob Dylan deserved the award. They argued that lyrics have to go with music, and they are usually only about one thing or feeling. Lyricists are bad poets and they write mostly about love. They are about singing whereas poetry is about talking. A counter argument developed with the statement, “What if you put Harry Potter to music, would it then not be literature any more.’ “And what about Shakespeare – he was different.” After reading and studying Blowing in the Wind, the students were challenged to bring to class the words of a favorite song. At each of the following classes we will study their songs/poems and look for literary elements such as simile, metaphor or personification. Our discussions will also focus on studying the conflict, setting or plot. It is too early to tell if this activity changes any ones mind.