W.H. Auden, during an interview at Swarthmore in 1971, described a point in writing poetry when you have to turn down an idea for one of two reasons, “I am sorry, no longer; or I am sorry, not yet.” Gina Barreca, a professor at UConn, herself a prolific writer, recently used that line to illustrate that point in the life of a professional when you reach the pause between what was and what will be. That’s where I am.

Since announcing my sabbatical, I’ve heard from many who share my situation. (I am always surprised to learn that others share the exact same fears, hopes, challenges and experiences I think make me so unique. There’s comfort in that.)