I'll never forget the first poem that I fell in love with. I found it in a very old book in my elementary school library and remember the librarian telling me that the last time the book had been signed out (before I signed it out) was a decade before.

The poem in the book that has since been embedded in my memory is this,

I love you in big ways, I love you in small ways. I love you this minute, and I'll love you always."

I have no idea who came up with the poem but has been and always will be my favorite. Poetry was a big love of mine for most of my younger years, and I attribute it to that old book I found in my school library.

When I was in middle school, my local news radio station was hosting a poetry contest on National Haiku Day (a haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry). The radio host invited people to call in with a haiku for the chance to win tickets to see the Smothers Brothers. I unknowingly called in after the contest had ended, but the host allowed me to read my haiku to him and gave me tickets to the show anyway- his own personal tickets. The host's name was Don Weeks and I never forgot his generosity. When I grew up and began working in radio, I sought out Don so that I could thank him for his kind gesture from so many years before. Don died in 2015 and part of my childhood died with him.

Whether you'd like to learn about poetry or ignite your old poetry flame, the Broome County Public Library will host the Binghamton Poetry Project which will be a five-session poetry for both kids and adults starting on Monday, February 27th.

This workshop will be led by Creative Writing Instructors from Binghamton University and during the workshop, you'll learn a variety of things, but most importantly how to have fun with writing.

The workshop for kids is suggested for those between the ages of 6 and 12 and will take place on the following Thursdays at 5:30pm on March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th. To register for the kid's class, call 607-778-6456.

There will be two workshops for adults, Mondays at 5:30pm on February 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th; or you can attend the class on Thursdays at 5:30pm on March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th. If you'd like to register for the adult class, call 607-778-6451.

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