Words Which I Say Like a Prayer

Dear Mary,

Your poem “Wild Geese” has helped sustain me in some of the most difficult moments. I’ve long since memorized the words which I say, like a prayer, more days than you can imagine. I share this poem the first Friday of each school year with my Ohio high school students and introduce them to your body of work.  I imagine you in the woods sometimes, as I teach, observing and gathering words like harvest. You have taught me how to pay attention in my life. 

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Tracie Zimmer