I've been thinking a lot about the immense role that literature and art play in our lives. In times of crisis, where do you head for? I read poetry, mostly poetry that deals with war, such as Against Forgetting, edited by Carolyn Forché, and Poetry of Witness, edited by Carolyn Forché and Duncan Wu. I dip into the meditative poetry of Jane Hirshfield (who has a radiant new collection out, The Asking) and the searing words of the Irish poet, Seamus Heaney, who had a thing or two to say about war. An acquaintance raised eyebrows at this last choice. Why would I read an author whose country has been so outspoken about Israel? But I will keep on reading what I want, without censorship, and I will keep on writing. I urge you to do the same.