My thanks to the many people (more than I can ever name) whose example, inspiration, wisdom, loving, and support have made my journey as a poet and teacher, and the journey of this book, possible: To my incredible and inspiring partner, Fran Clarke, who has also been my rock and angel through many challenging experiences; my sister, Jayn Stewart, for her awesome gifts and her lifelong encouragement and support; my teacher and friend for more than twenty-five years, John-Roger, for his example of unconditional love and for helping me find my way; Robert Bly, who started me on my journey as a poet and opened doorways for my first steps; my inspiring colleague, friend, and now inspiring colleague again, Nancy Morgan; Philip Graham and Virginia Waid, who embarked me on my work as a teacher; Lynne Silverstein, Barbara Shepherd, Amy Duma, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, for widening and enriching my opportunities as a teacher; Michael and Brooke Thompson for their many kindnesses over many years; Carol Beau for her unconditional friendship and the hours of laughter together; Barry Lane for his experience and wisdom and for believing in this book; Phyllis and Doug Frame and Round Oaks Creative Center for creating such beautiful spaces in which to do this work; Patricia G. Lyne for the experience of the sweetness of her soul; Judy Podlesney for her friendship and for lightening my journeys with a welcoming heart; to the teachers who invited me into their classrooms (teachers are my heroes); and to the many partners of the John F. Kennedy Center for inviting me into their communities to help spread the influence of the arts in education. My deep gratitude also to my remarkable editor, Ewurama Ewusi-Mensah, for so thoughtfully and enthusiastically shepherding this book into existence.