In a discussion about how currency might change in our digital future Andrei Codrescu said “poetry will be the only real currency”. He was talking about original expression, which can take many forms. Although when it comes to poetry, a favorite Christmas ritual of ours is listening to Dylan Thomas read his poem “a Child’s Christmas in Wales”.

As a child my family played the record every year. My siblings and I would lie silently in our beds as we listened each Christmas Eve. Being the youngest, at first the poem made no sense and I was impatient. It didn’t matter as I was in it for the experience. My siblings valued it so much that I just wanted to belong to their excitement.

My mother understood its value and would use it to bribe us to go bed. Once we were all tucked in, she would play the record loud enough to be heard throughout the house.

At first I would be lulled to sleep by the sound of his impassioned voice as the words were beyond me. Each year I understood a little more. The story and his elocution are wonderful, but the emotion it evokes is what gives it the most power; I feel the story so vividly.

I continued the tradition with my children, who at first were impatient to sit still, but slowly over the years they too value it, especially my youngest. This evening we will be listening again with appreciation.

It’s a magical thing to have currency be so meaningful.

Enjoy!