I spent last week in Boston at the NCTE convention, with teachers and writers-those people who love words! I know this poem is probably familiar to you all, yet they fit my time so well:
Ink Runs from the corners of my mouth
There is no happiness like mine.
I have been eating poetry.
--Mark Strand, "Eating Poetry" Reasons for Moving, 1968
What a tasty poetic meal I had meeting or reuniting with some of you whom I know through these Friday posts, and with others I met briefly whose names inspire. I am grateful I could take the opportunity to go, and thrilled that I was able to meet, talk with, or enjoy the learning in the sessions about poetry I attended. And, I loved rooming with Tara Smith, a great time with someone I previously knew only through blogging, and now know that she is really the lovely and thoughtful person we know from her writing.
Thank you Laura Purdie Salas for welcoming me to a poetry Friday get-together. I loved being with you, Laura and getting a first peek at your new book. Also, Diane Mayr joined us, and it was wonderful to visit with you, Diane. Then, I met and talked with Jane Yolen, Sara Holbrook, Heidi Stemple, and David Harrison and his wife. It was a terrific evening!