A friend suggested that I display one of my poems in a frame at the end of my wheelchair ramp. I cringed. I felt suddenly self-conscious, arrogant, and surprisingly shy. I thought nothing of sending my poems to literary journals and magazines with the hope that some would be accepted for publication. I’d been doing that for over 30 years. But that was relatively impersonal. Displaying my poetry in front of my home felt like a more personal and personally responsible act. The thought of it made me feel painfully vulnerable. Who was I to assume that people would want to read my poetry? But then, who was I to turn my back on the suggestion when, despite my difficult feelings, I felt a soft yes forming in my heart?

In early November of 2002 I asked my helper to slide a poem into an 8 by 10 plastic frame. The frame was made to stand on a table so it had extensions on both sides of the bottom to stabilize it. My helper stood the framed poem on the end of my handrail and taped the extensions to the worn wood with strong clear plastic tape. It looked makeshift and almost as vulnerable as I felt. But it was a beginning. Shortly after I took that step, people began to stop at the foot of my ramp to read the poem. Over time, as I put out other poems, more people stopped.

Then the November rain and wind came and water collected under the plastic, blurring the poem and wrinkling the paper’s edges. It was time for me to find a more permanent solution. Fred Hubbard, a friend and fine carpenter, built a handsome display case, later adding a comment box under it. Some readers write to tell me that the poems matter to them, and I am grateful for every comment anyone takes the time and energy to write. One reader wrote, "Margaret–I love your neighborhood poetry box. It’s pure grace. Thank you." Nothing could have made me happier.

In all my years of having poems published in literary journals and magazines, no publication has given me more joy than I’ve felt, and continue to feel, as the people in my community, and visitors passing through, stop at the bottom of my ramp and take the time to read a poem. Now I invite you to read some poems. I continue to post in the Ramp Poetry Box. I also welcome your comments.