Little Kindnesses in the Poetry World, Holidays, Fa la la

I was just thinking today about the little kindnesses in the poetry world that can help you keep going when you lack motivation, when you feel discouraged. A couple of days ago I drove 45 minutes in the driving rain, rode a $20 ferry in the driving rain, then drove another fifteen minutes in the pouring rain with no streetlights to attend a poetry meeting with my lovely poet friends in Kingston. It was such fun to see them I practically forgot about the nail-biting drive and the day after day of Seattle’s terrible downpours, storms, and power outages. We all encourage each other, give each other advice (and occasionally gossip,) listen to each other’s woes and carefully read each other’s poems. That group of friends is worth so much more than money to me. (Pictured: Ronda Broatch, Annette Spaulding-Convy, Jeannine Hall Gailey, Kelli Russell Agodon. Not pictured: Lana, Janet, Jenifer, Natasha, Holly.)

Besides that, I was thinking about a kind remark on a rejection – this time, from a poetry book contest. I think it is so wonderful when an editor takes the time to make a specific comment – to say, look, your work is valuable, even if we don’t take it, it’s good, don’t give up. It makes the whole poetry submission process seem less like a dog-and-pony show and more like a civilized correspondence between literary acquaintances, if you know what I mean. It’s the same with reviews. I won’t write a mean review, although I strive to write a fair and truthful one every time. The reviews are so meaningful and valuable to the writer – and such unrewarding work for most reviewers – and something about the reviewing process reaffirms that there are readers out there that care about what writers produce.

I have also recently had poets out of the blue send me encouraging remarks, give me advice, offer help. I am thankful. The holidays this year are keeping me full of cheer, though we’re low on cash due to the move (isn’t that the story of my life!) and I’m far from my family back in Cincinnati. I haven’t been writing or submitting like I should be, but I remember that I have friends who need encouragement, students that need close readings and guidance. A little kindness means so much. I should remember, kindness, kindness, make it mantra.