As we move through March, here’s a St. Patrick’s Day hat tip to living poet Misha Collins. He’s an actor, a poet, and a lot of other things such as a lifeguard, motorcyclist, and clean eater. I’ve added a link to some more information about his life, below, and I’m using his collection Some things I still can’t tell you to compose a Cento poem from his work. Unfortunately, this book was a divorce announcement – which doesn’t make me happy, but it does show how poetry can be used for so many purposes in our lives. In the peace of a dove on a branch, in the beauty of summer rain steaming off the hot asphalt, and even in the heartbreaking pain of divorce.
You can read more about Misha Collins here.
Used Book Parade
For the first time in three years
yesterday I read a used book
looking just the same
and perfect
and needed to cry for a scene
that that parade of it all might ignite me.
My Cento lines are taken from: Housekeeping; Reread; Alessandra; Way-finding; The Center; Taxi
Common Threads 
I’d never read Misha Collins but recognize some of the other names in your stack – proof that poetry is for peace, for beauty, for loss, for grief. Your Cento makes me want to check out more of his work!
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your title has me thinking that yes, we need to celebrate those poets still alive and working, more! And your Cento had me looking up a poetry form new to me. And that last line, with the phrase “might ignite me”- wow.
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I love that you take inspiration from other writers. Makes me think of “book alikes” that the libraries do
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Kim,
Stop! JK! This is another book I don’t have but want. It’s now in my cart. I need a sneaky way to acquire these books. Ken vets the mail. You’re gonna get me in trouble! Anyway, any post who is an activist is one I’m eager to read. I’m not thinking about the last time I read a used book. I like my books new. I’ll tell you this: The missed book parade I’m marching in is the one with all the poetry books I don’t have but want! Maybe Misha is in the Libby app. I’m gonna find out now!
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I imagine searching through this wonderful stack of poetry books for the perfect lines for your Cento is like mining for gold. I love reading these, and I appreciate all the new poets you have introduced to me.
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