It might interest you to know,

speaking of the plentiful imagery of the world,
that I am the sound of rain on the roof.
(Billy Collins, "Litany")

About a week and a half ago, a project I've been working on since January became real--the Nottingham Poetry Series. It's a linked series of poetry events--readings, lectures, craft talks, workshops, and community-based projects--that will take place at the University of Nottingham and in the city over the next three years (and, I hope, longer). I've been working my fingers off with this and it was such a pleasure to see it really happen--the poets came, the audience came (there were more than 70 people there), the cakes got eaten, the volunteers were wonderful, and everything I've heard from people has been incredibly positive. The three readers (that's me introducing them) were Pam Thompson, Michael McKimm, and Will Smith. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening--it was sunny and warm, and I felt like I was floating around about an inch off the floor.

More happiness: new words in Dutch, delicious pizzas made in a very dirty kitchen (reminded me why I'm glad not to live in student digs any longer), two dozen roses opening on my own kitchen table, laundry done and drying, seeds I germinated now sown in egg cartons and soil. "Het maakt mij blij dat ik jou blij maak."

I want to know what poems are your favorites--longtime or new. I'm making a new commonplace book.