Conversations with the Dead and Missing

One of the most wonderful things a person can do to enrich their lives is to engage in conversations with the dead and missing. By the dead I mean significant persons who are no longer living---this can include your parents, a sibling that died early, a friend or mentor, or even a famous person that you did not know but whose poems or other artistic and creative works has inspired you. By the missing I mean someone in your life that you have little or no meaningful contact with---this is most often your own children but can also include friends, former spouses or lovers, or, once again, a famous person that is alive but you have no contact with except through their creative products.