0110 Visiting Billy Collins Poem by Michael Shepherd

0110 Visiting Billy Collins

Rating: 2.7


The gate opens easily -
someone's oiled it quite recently.
There's fresh gravel on the path
this winter day.
There's a dog kennel out there and
a single warning bark from inside the house but
your shins are safe.
Those neighbours of his seem
quiescent today..
The doormat has said
WELCOME for
some frayed years now.
There are lights on and
the door opens quickly although
they weren't expecting you so soon.

'How about a walk around after
coffee, this crisp morning?
Just as far as you like? There's
lots to show you..'

We walk further than
I intended, laughing
over the word
'accessible'.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Leslie Audes 29 November 2009

Anyone who is familiar with Billy Collins' work felt the congruence. The details were perfect! well done.

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Rev. Dr. A. Jacob Hassler 18 January 2006

what a lighthearted treasure, Michael. the frayed Welcome mat conjures quite a homey image. good show. Jake

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Raynette Eitel 16 January 2006

What a lovely warm poem, Michael. My favorite line 'the doormat has said Welcome for some frayed years now.' You captured that homey, midwestern feeling that his poems show us...Accessible, yes, but straight to the heart. Raynette

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Poetry Hound 16 January 2006

This is so much fun, Shep. And yes, 'accessible' is the key word, almost too accessible, if that's possible. You've hit upon the wonderful genre of poetry about other poets. Collins does it too, for example, with 'Taking Off Emily Dickinson's Clothes, ' probably my favorite poem of his. Good job.

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Mary Nagy 16 January 2006

Sounds like a wonderfully peaceful visit. Nice of you to allow us to accompany you. :) Sincerely, Mary

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Michael Shepherd

Michael Shepherd

Marton, Lancashire
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