When did you last turn the pages <br />of a book of poems as if it were a novel? <br /> <br />and how could a Poet Laureate ‘rejoice’- <br />as they say in flowery poetic language <br />in the name of Billy? <br /> <br />and it’s not so much reading <br />as being with: as if you’re in the same <br />room with him: he’s over there in the recliner, <br />self-contained but friendly; he may <br />say nothing; or make an inconsequent remark; <br />or launch into a fantasy; or say <br />something unpretentiously profound.. <br /> <br />it doesn’t matter now. You’re in the same room <br />with him, just being.. he’s not making a poem <br />like you hold a glass up to the light <br />and polish it; he’s not even selling ‘being’ <br />like some New Age guru; he’s not asking <br />anything of you. <br /> <br />And thousands who view poetry with suspicion <br />sigh with relief; take up his latest book <br />and glance at him there across the room <br />with a half-smile that somehow reflects his <br />just being Billy Collins. No, not even that; <br />just being.<br /><br />Michael Shepherd<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/reading-the-poems-of-billy-collins/
