What Billy Collins taught me about my first ever poetry reading…
It was by chance, or I would like to think destiny, that I happened to notice glossy postcard sized advertisements sprawled across the faculty workroom table with BILLY COLLINS written in rather large, noticeable white capital letters against a solid charcoal background. Detailes were in much smaller print written in both white and red surrounding his name. My heart must have skipped a few beats because literally I stood there in frozen awe for a few moments as I tried desperately to contain my excitement !
As I sat down, I started to contemplate. It was like a dream come true for me to have the opportunity to not only go to an esteemed poetry reading, but to see one of my favourite poets - I felt like a virgin poetry princess.
I wasn't sure how long it would take to get to the venue, so I was super early!
It ended up being right around the corner from my old campus too - the things we learn!
So, I talked to employees, and waited... 'patiently’…
I also found out it was general admission, so I was DETERMINED to get a front row seat!
Fast forward approximately 45 minutes and SCORE! A front row seat directly IN FRONT of him - no
more than six feet away!!!!! I made sure to make direct eye contact several times during the reading…
He had a question and answer session before the book signing at the end of the evening, and I could only think of one burning question… ‘What are your thoughts on Charles Bukowski?’ He looked surprised, yet
gave me a very thoughtful and lengthy response… He explained to the audience that Charles Bukowski
was a fellow poet, and said all the right things… Things that would reassure my belief in him as one of
my favourite poets. We were on the same wavelength for sure. I spoke with him twice again afterward –
once to show him the poem (on my iPhone) of a (mysterious) friend - ‘What Billy Collins taught me about
writing poetry’, and then again to ask him to sign my ticket. He said he would sign just about anything!
I told him that this was my very first poetry reading EVER – other than a slam I attended in the UK…
He said ‘This is all you will ever need now.’
He said ‘This is all you will ever need now.’
Billy Collins is an extremely witty, intelligent AND charming man!
I would definitely go out of my way to see him again! I know I will see him again… I AM DETERMINED.
I would definitely go out of my way to see him again! I know I will see him again… I AM DETERMINED.
What an amazing and magical night it was!
Francine
Sat 23rd Mar 2013 23:38
Thank you lovely ladies for reading and sharing in my joyous experience!
Kisses to you!