Listen to YWP's Zoe Bernstein perform her poem, "Elderly Couples in Vermont," with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra in their Midwinter Music program. The VSO toured a string quartet around the state in early 2022 bringing musical performances and poetry readings to communities in late winter. This video features Zoe's poetry reading and a selection of the quartet's music. Way to go, Zoe!

And here's her poem:
Elderly Couples in Vermont
By Zoe Bernstein

You have to stop solving your problems with dogs
Labradors when the Subarus break
Poodles for visiting family
Bloodhounds for demotions
Irish Water Spaniels when the grandkids move out
A blind, deaf, toothless arthritic mutt that only has one leg
Whenever "marriage counseling" is mentioned

It's been 50 years and 47 dogs

The Humane Society sends you personalized Christmas cards
You go through eight bags of kibble and nine bottles of wine a week
You have to stop solving your problems with dogs