Why I Write

Why I Write
Originally uploaded by The Forest Archives

Today my students did a writing exercise entitled "Why I Read", modeled on Terry Tempest William's essay, "Why I Write". I did the exercise along with them and here is what I wrote:

I read because it puts me in control, if only for a while. I read because I'll never go to India and pluck rubies from riverbeds. I read because I miss my far flung friends and it fills the time in between visits. I read because someone once told me it would make me smarter. I read because I once beat Debbie Miller in a summer reading contest. I read because she went on to become valedictorian and I went on to fail math - three times. I read because I want to know if Sid really killed Nancy or if she flung herself on to the edge of his blade in an act of suicide. I read because I don't feel at home in this country and am trying to. I read because I spent a decade of Friday nights alone. I read because I can't remember to mail back my Netflix and can't stomach the thought of watching Junebug again. I read because it fills the house with the silence my husband deserves. I read because my parents read and I want them to be proud of me. I read because it gives me something to think about other than myself. I read because it keeps me from obsessing over the inevitable deaths of my loved ones. I read because I am a bad aunt who wants to be a better one. I read because I write and want to write more and better. I read because it gives me something that is mine and not yours. I read because it's easier than talking. I read because it's cheaper than shopping for shoes and handbags. I read because it keeps people from thinking I'm a loser when I'm out on my own. I read because I don't know how to stop.