A little house, like a bird house on a stick, popped up on a lawn that I frequently pass. The lawn belongs to Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. This particular spot is along the Cliff Walk, facing the ocean. A little sign staked into the ground a few feet in front of the box beckons you to open the door.
Inside the box is a poem and a little spiral notebook with a pencil tied to a string, dangling from it. Passersby are invited to write something. They do. Now that I know about the poetry box, I notice people who are curious just like me, walking up to it, opening the tiny door, and spending a few moments with it. Once you understand the power of the poetry box, you walk away with a smile on your face.
Just as your smile begins to fade, another poetry box appears on the path.
