Lawrence Ferlinghetti is the Poet Laureate of San Francisco, and, boy, does he deserve to be. Until a few days ago I had no idea I'd enjoy his work as much as I love this little book, a grand work-in-progress that was first published in 1975 and most recently revised last year, because I never picked up one of his books before. One of a grand series of life mistakes. . .

This is an amazing book of poetry to give to poets and enthusiasts as well as those that could give a toss about the art form. An appreciation of words is a must, however.

My favorite line, which reflects the direction I'd like my own writing to go in:

*

Think long thoughts in short sentences.