Zest Wish List

Church writes about the joy of being moved to a cell with a window; the excerpts we include from his essay “A Room Cell with a View” reflect on beauties from the outdoors that now contribute to his zest.

Lori's poem reminds us of the many beauties – especially the rich colors – of all of the seasons of the year. If we pay attention to these moments of beauty, including those that live in our memories, Lori writes, we can begin to see the beauty in ourselves, and find zest in pondering the wonders that surround us.

In “Hope and Zest,” Jackson reminds us of the important connection between zest and hope, and the power of both to counter negative emotions. Jackson reports that this is the first poem he’s written. Way to go, Jackson!

Albert's stunning poem calls us to attend to the present moment, to see the beauty in "the color-abundant now." To discover this "zest-filled fruit" of the present moment, he writes, we need to "peel away the husk of regret and worry."

Jake borrows some features of the sonnet form in this sweet poem, with its careful rhyme scheme and closing couplet. He also calls on memories to illustrate some perfect, zest-filled moments – like a drink of cold water on a hot day or being caught "in the purest note of the best of song."

Richard's short essay takes us through "another good day behind bars," demonstrating the zest he's able to find in the smallest day-to-day activities, like brushing his teeth, feeding his fish, reading and studying, watching TV. It's a great reminder of the power of living each day with gratitude, and the zest this can bring to our lives.

Kelsha's poem uses creative rhymes to take note of moments of zest now, as she prepares to return home, and also to imagine future moments of zest, including "answering calls for those who can't come home . . . ."

Eugene's poem is a sweet and beautiful chronicle of many "joys of long ago" that he recalls, from a porch swing to homemade ice cream to county fairs, and more. His joy and zest in these memories is contagious!

Larry's poem about the importance of theater and performance in his life inside reminds us of the power of art to bring us to places where our "redemption dwells," to "free the hopeless for just a few short hours." In other words, to help us find joy and zest.

H.L.'s poem is a kind of palindrome (a poem that can be read from beginning to end, or end to beginning). She presents her life inside as a rhyming "quest" for zest, and at the poem's center, tells us that her "pen on paper" leads her on this quest.

Stacey's poem invites us to live lives full of zest, to "let go of all the pain and sorrow." Thinking about the passing of time, as Stacey urges us to do here, can prompt all of us to choose happiness, and zest.

Nick sent a couple versions of this brief poem. When combined, these lines remind us of WHY we want to cultivate the character strength of Zest in our lives: "Think of what you want for your future!"