“The impact this poetry experience had on me was phenomenal. It had a ripple effect that impacted so many more people in my life than just myself.

It helped me get through the day with ease, as if weight had been lifted off my shoulders that I didn’t even really know I had.”

“I am still so very grateful for the time we had together. It was truly healing for me. When we go back to the offices, your poem will have a prominent place. Reminding me of strength, growth, and hope.”

“Honestly just talking about my experiences and having someone truly listening lifted my spirits for the day and since. It helped me explore feelings and thoughts more deeply and uncover some that were buried. My wife asked me, “Why are you smiling so much?”

Even now, reflecting on the experience itself just feels good. Having a poem at the end of it about me and my experiences and thoughts and feelings was humbling – who am I for someone to write a poem about me? It was truly powerful and I am honestly tearing up a bit thinking about it. It is such a simple thing that brought some humanity to a crazy time in my life and even my wife reading it feels a bit of that as well.”

“Being a good listener is arguably the most important and quintessentially human way that we can continue to support each other - strangers and loved ones alike - as we navigate the chaos and complexities that our world continues to bring.”

“I cherish this poem. It is already framed on my home office wall. The experience inspired me to reflect on the bright spots of a generally horrific year. And as we know, gratitude is an overwhelmingly positive emotion.

Consequently, I smiled the rest of the day, and I treated my co-workers with extra grace as I remember they are sharing this COVID experience in their own ways. Thus, the framed copy on my wall. I want to hold that thought from that perspective.”