As always, this is not a book report. Rather, it is an opportunity to discuss a theme that stuck with me while reading “Listen to the Warm” by Rod McKuen.

I have been writing poetry since before I knew how to write poetry. It began as a way to collect my thoughts on a page, put the world in some sense of order, and express myself. Long before it was any good, it was a way to keep myself breathing and on this side of the Earth. What I have never done well is read poetry. Reading this book, which was given to me by a dear friend, changed that. Now, I am committed to the idea of experiencing the world through the eyes of poets.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Mr. McKuen was the right writer to begin this new journey. His poetry in this collection has a way of detailing the world around us. He takes everyday occurrences and abstract thoughts and gives them purpose. He applies meaning where we often leave none. He makes me want to be a better writer. More than that, he shifts desire into action. When I finished this book, I realized I had all the tools I would ever need to experience the world in new and exciting ways. For that, I will be eternally grateful.

Be good to each other,

Nathan

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