The focus of this article is on the question of language and its relation to adult learning in what Peter Leyland describes as 'a post-modern way'. In other words, it is a pastiche or a multiplicity of ideas that he has been meeting with over a year working with adult students who are learning about different areas of poetry in his Worker's Education Association (WEA) courses. This is a group of about a dozen students who have one important thing in common, an interest in and a love of the reading of poetry, especially aloud. The Worker's Education Association was founded in 1903 and a central aim was to encourage lifelong learning among adults. From the outset it was based upon democratic principles and the relationship between teacher and student was a partnership in which the syllabus was negotiated between them. In this article, Leyland argues that despite many who fault the English language for its cultural dominance, it can create a worldview which favours freedom of expression and an abiding respect for humanity. Leyland uses an autobiographical piece of narrative research from his WEA class to support his view. He concludes that the language of poetry and song can create a worldview that is revolutionary, musical, emotional and perceptive. This worldview can connect people who share the same concerns about dealing sensitively with the business of living in the 21st century. Adult education is a doorway to the space where those concerns can be shared.