In the universe
nothing is wasted
matter, energy
change happens
transformation too
but nothing
is wasted.
The words that don’t fit
in the poem
the sentences, the paragraphs
that don’t fit in the story or novel
can transform into something else
newer, different
from the same matter
new energy.
The poems that didn’t fit
into one book
become another
slipping in comfortably
new connections
transforming, heightening
meaning.
In the universe
nothing is wasted.

BARBARA NOVACK, Writer-in-Residence and member of the English Department at Molloy University, is author of five books of poetry and a Pulitzer Prize-nominated novel. On campus, she founded and hosts Poetry Events and off campus conducts highly regarded creative writing workshops. Marquis Who’s Who has honored her with their Lifetime Achievement Award.