Friday, September 18, 2009

The Poem My Sister Sent to Me

The Rival Poet
Billy Collins

The column of your book titles,
always introducing your latest one,
looms over me like Roman architecture.

It is longer than the name
of an Italian countess, longer
that this poem will probably be.

Etched on the head of a pin,
my own production would leave room for
The Lord's Prayer and many dancing angels.
No matter.

In my revenge daydream I am the one
poised on the marble staircase
high above the crowded ballroom.
A retainer in livery announces me
and the Contessa Maria Teresa Isabella
Veronica Multalire Eleganza de Bella Ferrari.

You are the one below
fidgeting in your rented tux
with some local Cindy hanging all over you.

3 comments:

timmyjimi said...

I enjoyed looking through your new photos on Flickr. Looks like you made it safely back with some fun along the way. Praying for you, and looking forward to more updates through the coming year.

Thainamu said...

I liked that poem.

A Mother Always said...

what a name! like the poem
cheers
BM