Poetry Is

more than words on a page

or feelings on a page

or anything at all to do with pages,

because it isn't about the poem itself

but the poet behind it.

Poems don't just share thoughts;

they are thoughts.

Poetry is an experience of an experience,

a look behind the curtain at

a real life

and a real person,

because they want you to see how they see

and feel what they feel

and know the things they know.

Poetry isn't about love—it is love.

Poetry is heartbreak and memory and wonder

and everything a person is, has been,

or wants to be.

Every time you read a poem

you become a part of it

and it becomes a part of you,

shaping your life in some small way

so that you are building onto

what the poet put on the page.

Poetry is everlasting.