Herman Beavers - Teachers Make a Difference - Michael S. Harper

The speaker reflects on their mentor, Michael S Harper, a renowned African American poet. Harper's critique of a poem about John Coltrane taught the speaker to find their own voice and value personal experience. Harper emphasized understanding familial and national histories and that one's best work may lie ahead due to life experiences. The speaker appreciates Harper's influence on their ongoing poetry journey.

Describe the relationship between personal experience and the national path as taught by Michael Harper.

What does the speaker mean by stating that their best poems are ahead of them?