I’m of two minds when it comes to readings by my favorite writers – our relationship is on the page, why go see them in person? On the other hand, I’m curious. Mary Oliver came to Royce Hall at UCLA last night and I went along with my first thought in the beginning – I have all her books of poems, why go? But then at the last minute I thought of course I had to go see her and was lucky to get one of the last tickets available in the very last row. Royce Hall holds about 1,800 people and it was sold out. Sold out for a poet! How utterly cool and marvelous is that?

Just the bare stage, Mary Oliver in the spotlight reading her poems, with an occasional, very funny aside. She got a standing ovation. It was the sort of evening that gives you hope for this world. If you haven’t read any of her poems go to www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-summer-day/  and read "The Summer Day", then read "The Journey" (also on that site) and then buy one of her books.