Lavender

Jul 17, 2024 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)

Chatting with Billy Collins on a Rainy Afternoon

It has rained most the day.
My purple sofa rests by the window
noting the seconds between lightning strikes
and the rumbles fingering through the fine glass panes.

I have embraced the downward dog,
contemplated the rising smoke of patchouli incense.
I've become the fragrance of lavender and green tea.

I am zen. And with that,
I pull his books from the shelf
yearning for words,
cozy conversation.

"It is a peaceful rainy day," I remark,
sifting through the pages,
"and you are so...hospitable."

There on the sofa, we chat about
"walking backwards into a dark forest."
And how the only time he cut himself shaving is when,
practicing zen, he was aware that he was shaving.
I, too, recite aloud the one-ton bell haiku.

The day mellows into pockets of free verse
while poems dangle from the ceiling fan, floating off
onto the salmon-colored throw pillows with a "poof."

Soon the late sun tugs at the two of us
and I realize the rain has stopped. I am alone,
but unlonely.

It is a familiar friend, poetry,
and a friendly visit with the Poet Laureate
is so satisfying - something is harmonized
that needed to be balanced, grounded,
spoken without sound.

His books find their way back to the shelf
as I fluff the pillows and open the window,
its glass panes, now quiet and still,
the lightning chasing some distant picnic,
all but forgotten.

About This Poem

Last Few Words: Spending time "chatting" with the wonderful 2001 - 2003 U.S. Poet Laureate, Billy Collins. References are made from his poems, "Falling Asleep" and "Zen Backfire" from his book titled, "Musical Tables." And "Japan" from his book titled, "Picnic, Lightning." He's one of my favorite-favorites. To read him is to know him. And myself.

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United States

Favorite Poets: I tend to read Ted Kooser, Jim Harrison, Billy Collins, Paul Simon, Robert Frost. I like minimalist poetry, and poems reflecting on nature and Mother Earth.

This user supports Neopoet so it can be free to all

Comments

Rula

11 months 3 weeks ago

Dear Lavender

Amazing use of language. It has a mesmerizing feeling to it
that has almost hypnoized me.
Very clever way in putting things together.
A winner in so many levels.
Best wishes and thank you for sharing.

Lavender

11 months 3 weeks ago

Hello, Rula,

Rainy days are such a perfect time to visit poetry. Originally this was not written with the contest in mind, but with a little tuning, it seemed to fit. However, it does not rhyme, so it's not eligible for the Conversations With contest. I had so much fun writing it, though! Thank you for reading, and best wishes with your entry!
Lx

Candlewitch

11 months 3 weeks ago

Dear Lavender,

This is probably the best poem that I will read today! I am spellbound by the emotions delivering your thoughts into words! This is perfection in poetry. I do not know what else to say! I love it! Cannot choose favorite lines, as they are all excellent!

*hugs & love, Cat

Candlewitch

11 months 3 weeks ago

p.s.

you made me feel like I was there with you!

Lavender

11 months 3 weeks ago

Hello, Cat,

I'm so glad you felt as if you were there, because that's how I feel when I read his work. He is one of my favorites for that very reason.
Thank you for reading, and for your kind comments. I always appreciate you!
Lx

Geezer

11 months 3 weeks ago

How unfortunate, that this

How unfortunate, that this does not meet the rquirement of being in rhyme.
In my opinion however, it is indeed a winner. Other than the poets here, I do not usually read contemporary poets.
You have given me pause in this regard. I shall look up this poet laureate, because I am intrigued by your description
and the poem you have set here-in. You always bring such bright conversation to us, I am almost anxious to get started.
I am sure, after reading your "Chatting with Billy Collins... I will have something more to say about this. ~ Geez.
.

Lavender

11 months 3 weeks ago

Hello, Geezer,

I really enjoyed writing this, as it really happened. The time with "him" is so rewarding!

"While the novelist is banging on his typewriter, the poet is watching a fly in the windowpane." Billy Collins

Thank you, Geezer, for your support and all you do!
L

Michael Anthony

11 months 3 weeks ago

Amazing poem L - so good!

Amazing poem L - so good! Collins is one of my all-time favorite poets. I have almost everything he has ever published, and he has been a major influence on me. I often feel like he is looking over my shoulder as I write. Thank you for sharing one of the best poems I've read in some time on the site - well done!

Geez - You should definitely give Collins a look!

Best

Lavender

11 months 3 weeks ago

Hello, Michael,

I remember you love Billy Collins! And I can feel his influence in your wonderful poetry. One of your poems encouraged us to check out "Magical Tables" - which I did! I continue to be a big fan of his work, and yours, too!
Thank you!
L

(I know you like Ted Kooser, too. Another poet who invites you to sit a spell and chat about the relevance of irrelevant things - like "A Spiral Notebook." I think he is so lovely.)

Geezer

11 months 3 weeks ago

I'm thanking...

you and Lavender for the introduction and push to read his work, What a great poet and human being! Now, he is my favorite contemporary poet! ~ Geez.
.