Work in Other Contexts
Like Francis himself, his work also travelled, both to other states and internationally. His poems even found their way into different art forms.
Kansas University Pop Ensemble recital program, April 10, 1973
Francis' poems have a way of inspiring the artistic nature in people. His poem, "Watching Gymnasts," was used for an italic handwriting competition in 1968. In 1973 a student at Kentucky University set his poem, "Summons," to a musical score. The most transformative use of his poetry, though, came about in the 1970s when the Amherst Ballet Company choreographed a dance to his poem, "Silent Poem." The ballet was performed again in 1980.
Letter to Robert Francis from Lloyd J. Reynolds, August 12, 1968
Winning entry from the Sixth National Italic Handwriting Competition, 1968
1980 Amherst Ballet Theater Company program, page 9