I Have Not Lingered in European Monasteries

1. Most of this poem is about what the speaker hasn’t done. What connects these activities? Can you link them to what he mentions that he does do at the end of the poem? Do any of them intrigue you?
2. Why would the speaker present himself in this way? Does he strike you as self-satisfied or frustrated? Ambitious or obnoxious? Young or old? Does he want us to agree with his decisions or challenge them?
3. You might know that Cohen was well-known as a musician as well as a poet. How does the structure of this poem resemble a song? Are there verses? Is there a chorus? If you were to write music to accompany this poem, would it be fast or slow? Upbeat or dark? Electronica or cellos?
4. Cohen was Jewish, but explored numerous spiritual practices throughout his life, especially Buddhism. How does this poem consider spiritual matters? What might the speaker be seeking? Inner peace? Holiness? God? Truth? In what other ways might he try to elevate his existence?
5. This poem is in free verse (no rhyme or meter), but there is a structure to it defined by the repetition of “I have not…” Recitation tip: try out a different tone for each sentence. Be dismissive in one, wistful for another, curious about another, joking about another. Which tone suits each pursuit that the speaker hasn’t done? 
6. Write a poem listing a number of things you haven’t done but might like to do. What connects them? What does that connection tell you about yourself?

Useful links:

1. Leonard Cohen briefly defines poetry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSaMGHB4Vok
2. A longer, snarkier interview from 1966, with former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yta36Ry8UFc
3. A documentary about Cohen’s spiritual explorations at the Mount Baldy Zen Center outside of Los Angeles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=HJuJQI0RMiw
4. A 90-minute memorial concert for Leonard Cohen in 2017, with everyone in it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSmvvUNTtTc