For the next few days, the tiny magnets consumed my life. Never before was I one to write poetry in my spare time, but with a lot of words in front of you, it is easy to look at them and arrange them into something serious, humorous, beautiful, or whatever fits your mood. It's amazing how having words in front of you opens up so many possibilities, eliminates mental blocks, and causes you to think in strange ways. For twenty dollars, I had bought myself a little psychiatrist in a box. Sure, it couldn't talk back, but sometimes a therapist just provides an opportunity for people to talk about how they feel and reflect upon their inner thoughts.
Poetry provides the same kind of release.
Upon encountering magnetic poetry on a refrigerator, or on a cookie sheet, it is difficult not to fiddle with the words in an attempt to create Pulitzer-winning poetry or prose, or at least something worthy of being displayed for others to see. A few months ago, Harvard Square had a poetry project. A large magnetic board with several poetry kits on it was set up in the square. People were free to create their own poetry by rearranging the words in any way they saw fit. Instead of randomly scribbling initials on a wall, people have the opportunity to contribute something positive to society, something entertaining, and something that others can appreciate.