You owe it to yourself (or, if you don’t trust yourself, you owe it to me) to read “Parent” over at The Writer’s Almanac. Better yet, let Garrison Keillor read it to you. It is a particularly amazing poem (for me), and I find myself near tears. Lovely. So lovely. Here: Parent. Also, subscribe to The Writer’s Almanac podcast. It’s worth it. Every day. Here:

And was gone to Seattle for the weekend. I know I should have set things up to run here without me, but I didn’t. So, you know, since nobody is paying me to keep this site updated on a continuous basis, I feel as though I’m safe… no need to apologize as much as I’m already apologizing. Um. So. I’m back now, and something will appear later today. And yes, I know it’s Poetry Month. And I know you’ve had poetry on your mind all month. But why do we create special months for poetry? What is the point? Do you have any idea? It seems somewhat absurd, doesn’t it? Can we not deem the notion of a “poetry month” absurd and move on?

Maybe we daren’t. Here’s a PSA from Poets.org:

& More - National Poetry Month">

Inaugurated by the Academy in April 1996, National Poetry Month (NPM) brings together publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools, and poets around the country to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.

Poets.org - Poetry, Poems, Bios & More - National Poetry Month