I work best when I am able to write without interruption for an extended period of time. By giving me the gift of distance from home and all its obligations, a quiet space in which to be alone, delicious meals I didn’t need to have a hand in preparing, and proximity to a library with a beautiful poetry collection, Civitella allowed me to focus on my writing and make significant progress in my poetry manuscript. It was also truly inspiring to work in the company of Fellows so varied in their forms of expression, generous with their thoughts, and dedicated to their work.