I encountered this back in January, and I instantly knew that it was the one this year. Ted Kooser has recently become one of my favorites. Since Nebraska claims him, there are more Kooser poetry collections in the local library than any other poet. I'm just glad I remembered where I put it before it went in my pocket.
as if I’d opened it a thousand times
to see if what I’d written here was right,
it’s all because I looked for you too long
to put it in your pocket. Midnight says
the little gifts of loneliness come wrapped
by nervous fingers. What I wanted this
to say was that I want to be so close
that when you find it, it is warm from me.
If you want to play along, Here are the rules:
1. Find a copy of your favorite poem...or one that tickles you fancy today...or one that actually fits in your pocket. Finding in on your phone is okay, but it's always more human if you have transcribed it yourself and fold it up and put it in your pocket.
2. Carry your chosen poem around all day, ready to be shared. Don't forget to share with me!
3. Share the poem with people (friends, neighbors, complete strangers) throughout the day.
4. Soak in the awesomeness that is poetry!
5. Check my Instagram (@joeaveragewriter), Twitter (@joeavgwriter), or Facebook for the video of this year's poem!
If you want even more fun, check out my chosen poems from years past!
