refreshing. {wordy wednesday post}

I haven't been doing much reading lately. Usually the only time I have is right before bed, but because someone has decided to become a terrible sleeper in the past two weeks, I am so tired at night that I just go right to sleep (for a few minutes, until I'm woken by the inconsolable crying). I'm still about halfway through Animal, Vegetable, Miracle  and waiting to start Major Pettigrew's Last Stand  and A House and Its Head, plus I've also added The Glass Castle  to my nightstand "to read" pile.

So I wasn't sure what I was going to be able to post today. But I was delighted to receive a surprise package in the mail this week from a former student of mine who is now studying to be an English teacher (best compliment ever, right?) -- a poem of his was published in Baylor's literary magazine this year, and he wanted me to have a copy. It reminds me of Billy Collins and of a favorite poem of mine by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, too. And the note that accompanied the poem? It made me miss teaching. Not so much that I'm ready to jump ship and go back next year, but it's refreshing to be reminded that you are at least a little bit good at something.

Here's the poem. And here's hoping you find some refreshment today, too!

REFRESHMENT
by Trey Willetto

The most important thing
is not the book
But if you have a choice,
a hardback novel
or paperback poetry
is preferable.

The most important thing
is your location.
An agreeable place,
where you and the author
can try and understand each other.

The most important thing
is sunlight, maybe a window.
Or a park with a nice breeze,
a hammock in between trees,
with a river so you can listen
to its ceaseless flow.

The best possible scenario
is that it is fall, the sun
filtering through dying leaves.
Where you forget your intent
to try and read.