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I always feel something when I read Lynn’s poems. “Building the structure of joy” seems like such a good aspiration to take into retirement. —LD

To each their own pleasure:
backpacking above the tree line
where the air starts to thin;
dancing ‘til dawn, even after the blisters rise;
movie marathons or the real thing,
mile upon mile upon mile.
You know the way the world lights up:
The pure pleasure of the perfect chord
or the perfect shot,
the bowling strike and the baseball no-hitter,
the hole in one and the standing O,
the rare moments of perfection
when everything aligns
and you are suddenly illuminated,
incandescent with joy.
Perhaps it matters to no one but you.
Certainly your neighbors can’t understand
why you would rise at dawn
to seek that elusive lightning.
But isn’t there something to be said
for building the structure of joy?
Aren’t we all somehow blessed by those
who choose the discipline
of their peculiar pleasures?
Doesn’t that light
somehow brighten us all?

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I just love this poem. I get a little slide show in my mind and so appreciate the idea that this very simple thing—water—is so darn complicated. —LD

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Lynn has very good ideas in general, but particularly when it comes to having fun. Her list of boring things to do seems perfect for a person who is about to retire from a busy, inspiring job, doesn’t it? —LD

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Here’s one that I wish we had published, since it speaks to me as a singer and in my work for the CLF—so many precious times with CLF members, colleagues and friends. —LD

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My mother tells how when I was in grade school I wanted to take dance lessons, so she enrolled me in ballet. Although I approached the activity with forceful energy and my typical incorrigible enthusiasm, I lacked grace. Read more →