One "Thank You" That Is Meaningful Because It Is REAL

I give many small amounts to "progressive" political, social, and [shocker-of-shockers!] religious organizations, even some that are not tax-deductible (who cares? i am dirt poor in the soil surrounding -- and sometimes within -- Marlinspike Hall, a manor to the west of the Lone Alp smack dab in the middle of Tête de Hergé!) I consider the american academy of poets a different thing altogether.  A port in the storm.  History. Infuriating. Exhilarating.  A holy book.  Often, a warning we should heed.  Delightful guffaws and harrumphs.  And since I am an educator, add "educating."  The "thank you" notes from those progressive [entre guillemets] organizations?  They always include two, even three, additional dumbed-down pitches for a further donation, unable to imagine how poor I really am. The Academy of American Poets?  These poetic types?  They reek of sincerity!  And... they delight me with a poem-a-day that inevitably relieves my considerable physical pain by generating a humongous influx of endorphins. poets Dear Academy Supporter: I want to thank the many readers like you who supported the Academy of American Poets during our year-end campaign last month. Shortly after 2014 drew to a close, we discovered we raised $42,000—more than matching the $25,000 challenge made by one of our Board members! We rely on contributions from our members and donors to help showcase poets and champion the art of poetry with our programs, including Poets.org, Poem-a-Day, and the free educational resources we provide for K-12 teachers during National Poetry Month and year-round. As our Chancellor Alberto Ríos wrote in his poem, “When Giving Is All We Have:” What you did not have, and I gave you What I had to give—together, we made Something greater from the difference. Together, we are helping to ensure the important place poets and poetry have in our culture. Here’s to a new and inspiring year! In gratitude, Jennifer Benka, Executive Director We Did It!

© 2015 L. Ryan