listen to whatever is tingling on the edges of consciousness.

I keep lots of notebooks. My only criteria was whatever stops me for an instant in my tracks—and that doesn’t mean physically, but if I notice something, something that seems wonderful or horrible—write it down. It’s a word, write it down. If it’s a recipe, write it down. Do not ask why or is this important. Because again, I’m trying to listen to whatever is tingling on the edges of consciousness.

RITA DOVE