Letter From a Reader

Too much about death,

too many shadows.

Write about an average day,

the yearning for order.

Take the school bell

as your model

of moderation,

even scholarship.

Too much death,

too much

dark radiance.

Take a look,

crowds packed

in cramped stadiums

sing songs of hatred.

Too much music,

too little harmony, peace,

reason.

Write about those moments

when friendship's footbridges

seem more enduring

than despair.

Write about love,

long evenings,

the dawn,

the trees,

about the endless patience

of the light.