I haven’t read much poetry lately. I’d “forgotten how big,” how restorative it can be. I’m so glad that I ended my evening with Anne Sexton's “Welcome Morning” rather than finishing the day with “American Idol.” A good poem makes me want to read more and to write. Whether or not I’ll actually pick up the pen is another question, but it feels good to want to do it. A good poem calms me and gives me perspective and makes me feel centered — all things I certainly could use on a daily basis.

(Garrison Keillor's introduction is wonderful; don't skip it.)