I am writing 30 poems this November because... well, because it's November and that's what I do in November now. This is my 4th year participating, and while it's gotten harder to do each year, I'm grateful for the push to write poems and the opportunity to raise money for a good cause.

I am raising money for Center for New Americans because I believe that immigrants should be welcomed and supported and because Western Massachusetts is where my writing has been nurtured since I first wrote on the couch pictured below 17(!) years ago. I don't get out there regularly like I used to, but it will always be home to me (even though I've never lived there).

30 Poems in November! is a literary fundraiser for Center for New Americans. Center for New Americans welcomes and serves immigrants in Western Massachusetts with free English classes and a range of support services. For more information, please visit: http://www.cnam.org This year, we aim to raise $65,000. Writers do their part by writing one poem each day in November. Friends and family do their part by donating to support this effort. Powerful new poems and financial contributions translate to community support for immigrants.