You know what Benighted? Your poetry invites me to sit back and let my thoughts flutter and create image. I’m slowly learning something:

For years in high school and then in a class in college, I would sit back frustrated with how the teacher would ask me: read and respond. I didn’t get it.
I’m literal, I needed black and white and I felt they (those who were in discussion) had an insighg that's beyond me. I always checked out …

As I read this and relaxed in its lines, I noticed how giving ourselves the license to get lost IN the poem is a mental exercise that is developed. It’s not a “you have it” or “you don’t”—I think.

I these last months as you’ve added the bottom inspiration and feedback —you’ve actually added an important element to teaching and understanding poetry. It’s priceless.

Thanks for being you. Thanks for all you’ve taught me.

Every time I start your poem—I almost empty my mind and then say, “okay…Nat…what do you see? Feel?”

I no longer check out.

My English professors and teachers would be so thankful and impressed with you. 💗💗🫶🏽

…btw…this spoke to me with my desire for world peace and the difficulties we are seeing these days….

Hope you are fully recuperated. Stay safe Benighted—get well soon. 🖤