If you’ve been following the celebration of living poets I’ve been adding to the circle each day, you just knew all along that this poet was coming to the party. Whenever I need to stop taking life so seriously but still keep the reality in perspective and blend in some humor, I reach for Billy Collins. He’s got me covered when it comes to a balm for the heart on weary days – which is pretty much every day when the pollen count is high and I have spring fever and work in a windowless cubicle. Oh, I have my Billy Collins favorites ~ Whale Day, Banana School, An Irish Spider.…all of them are as unique as his personality and just as engaging. He’s a former US Poet Laureate. In one of his writing videos somewhere in the past, I remember him saying, “Bring in a spider.” The spider is the metaphor for the unexpected zinger in a poem. I see them in his poems, all these spiders, and I strive for them in my own. It’s like that one secret ingredient that makes the poem come alive. You can read more about Billy Collins here on his website.
Worms Speak of a Narcissist
Surely, narcissism fails to capture
people on the street
and what you had been feeding me
just an expanse of white ink
pass through my special glasses, but not you.
Now, I am free of the collar
It’s the science of worms
near a breadcrumb on the curb
and, I swear, they began talking about you.
Lines for this Cento were taken from, in this order: Freud; Height; The Order of the Day; the Peasants’ Revolt; Special Glasses; The Revenant; The Introduction; Height; Carry
Common Threads 
I did not know that Billy Collins had picture book size poetry volumes to buy. I am so glad you are teaching me all I need to know about poetry. A favorite of mine of his is his poem about turning 70 called Cheerios. Thanks to you I just videwed him reciting it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6X5323C_iE
What a great man! What a great poem. Incidentally, I am as old as Captain Crunch (invented in 1963!)
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That last line is a zinger!
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Kim,
Speaking of streets, I met Billy Collins on the street in front of the hotel in Chicago where some of the sessions for NCTE were being held. He was waiting for a car as we awaited the conference bus. He was with a young woman we mistook as his assistant but who was his fiance! oops! He was so much older than her, a sign of a touch of narcissism like that worm. A metaphor? Maybe. Anyway, my youngest son loved Billy Collins and stole all my BC poetry books. I might need to purchase a new copy of the book you featured. You have selected fantastic lines. BTW, I thought you just read my blog when you wanted some humor. 😉
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Kim, you continue to amaze me, but I have to now, go reread some of his works!
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