Because sentences can’t say it all

Because metaphor matters

Because lines linger

Because lyric accommodates epiphany

Because poems teach you to listen more astutely

Because poems unmask euphemisms

Because poems teach negative capability

Because poetry is an antidote to propaganda

Because figures of speech reconfigure thought

Because poems are not about ideas

Because poems heal

Because poems connect the dots differently

Because Lear’s fool was a poet

Because poems move us toward music

Because prophecy leads to poetry

And poetry leads to prayer