A Ritual to Read Together: Poems in Conversation with William Stafford

The poet, teacher, and WWII Civilian Public Service worker William Stafford (1914-1993) brought me back to a healthy, compassionate writing life--and through his life example, asked me to rekindle my active membership within an historic peace church.

But what do you do when you'll never meet an important teacher in person?

One way I answered this question was to edit a poetry anthology, and I'm happy to say it's finally in the world.

The way I see it, writing something down is my ultimate act of hope, whether it's a snail-mail letter, an essay, a poem draft, or an ever-changing list of gratitudes.

This anthology is my letter to Mr. Stafford. It also represents my continued reaching out to others, asking for help and mentorship and friendship--its table of contents feels like a new little support group, a congregation of other hope-ers, if you will.

More info here: http://woub.org/2014/01/14/athens-author-publishes-anthology-inspired-famed-poet-pacifist