Last year, my friend and teacher, Tony Hoagland,
said my poems are so full of noise
that he couldn't walk through them.
[LAUGHTER]
He challenged me to write something
that wasn't full of noise.
And he said, I want you to call it calm poem.
So here it is, "Calm Poem."
"Of all the poems I've written, this calm poem
is definitely my favorite.
It came at the end of a calamitous day.
I couldn't remember what to say during a lecture.
I cried while reading a philosophical preface.
When I looked in the mirror I saw
pieces of a blue jay and the world turned my stomach
and gathered dust.
Forget it said the poem.
Now, you are safe at home.
Many people love you.
No need to create a scene.
No need to punctuate the roar of the page.
Go to sleep and dream you're a giant paper snowflake.
There is nothing to be afraid of."