Dear Scott Cairns, thank you for letting us read this poem. I must tell you that I am a longtime admirer of your work and have seen you as a model as an artist and as a spiritual inspiration. In fact, you have acted as a sort of spiritual elder to me through your writing—I thank you!

This is the first I learn of your illness and I want to assure you of my prayers. May the Lord shine his merciful face upon you today and unto the ages of ages. Amen