Hannah Fries

 For me, being a poet has come to mean much more than writing. Rather, it is a way of being in the world--giving my attention to the things of this world. It is a practice I must always remind myself of because it can be easy to forget and rush or bumble through the day without stretching outside the confines of my own mind. It is a way of pouring myself out through my senses in order to take in what I can of the intricate dance of life and form and spirit. It is about reverence and also about empathy, a stretch of the imagination, an attempt to always be aware of the sensing experience of others, whether they are human, plant, or animal. Whether I am in line at the coffee shop, in the garden with my children, or alone in the woods, I can practice. This way of being in the world is a source of joy and hope for me, even a form of prayer. And, finally, it is inspiration, underpinning everything I write.