My Favorite Doctor

This weekend marks the birthday of Theodor Geisel, a poet philosopher better known to the world as Dr. Seuss. His books are delightful to me: rhyming verse, sharp wit and humor, colorful and fantastical worlds, and characters like The Cat in the Hat and The Grinch. And thought the stories appeal to the youngest of children, many carry deep underlying messages and wisdom that resonates with us even as adults. Since I began reading at a very young age, this man from Springfield, MA (only a couple towns away from where I grew up in Southampton) influenced my own relationship with words from the start. 

From "there's a wocket in my pocket" to the song sung by the Whos on Christmas Day, I have always been entralled with Geisel's use of words, both those found in the dictionary and those he created. Those silly words that just feel right to say and how their use sparks such vivid imagery in your brain. The way he could turn a phrase and make it all come together in rhyme. His style and creativity inspire me and his quotes about life and love are some of my favorites. 

So, in honor of Dr. Seuss on his birthday, it seemed only appropriate that I sit down a pen a quick verse:

Words

Words are my favorite toys with to play.

I juggle them around in my head night and day.

I use them to paint. I use them to build.

Oh, the blank pages that my words have filled.

Jargon or slang, nonsensical or real, 

They describe what we see, think, and feel.

They all must come out. I can't keep them in.

Not to release them just seems a sin.

They are meant to be shared and meant to be read.

And most important of all, they are meant to be said.

Thank you for always inspiring me, Theodor Geisel. I will forever be in your debt for your part in awaking my love of language and showing me that even fun words can have meaning too. Happy Birthday.