When I needed a reader, Cheryl Joseph, longtime friend and English teacher, was right there, with her beautiful “yes!” She read draft after draft with great care, smarts, and understanding, making this book much better than it would have been without her. Cristin De Vine helped explain me to myself, and I’m forever grateful. My best beloved, Michael Stark, offered his patience, tenderness, and love, as he always does. More students than I can count, from preschoolers through those much older than that, have brought their wonder and depth to my classes, and each of them helped write these pages. Early, life-altering support came from Roberta Bristol, Julie Olsen Edwards, Don Rothman, Gael Roziere, and Gina Van Horn. I’m thankful to Charlotte Raymond, for her enthusiasm for my work, saying, “You’re meant to write this book!”; to Dan Simon, first for Ink Knows No Borders, and now for My Shouting, Shattered, Whispering Voice, for believing in the voices—shouting or otherwise—of young people and for believing in mine; to Lauren Hooker, oh, Queen of Repetition Prevention, for your care and kindness; Ruth Weiner, you make things happen, and with grace. Kim Addonizio, Marcelo Hernandez Castillo, Safia Elhillo, and Sara Michas-Martin generously responded to my questions about poetry and writing process. Fred Courtright, King of Permissions, you made all the difference. For smoothing the rough spots, thank you to Rosie King, Sara Michas-Martin, and Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts. Two small, loud-purring beings, Ace and Stella, accompany me daily; I’d be remiss to not thank them here.