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Allen, Amish Swamish. Disparagement will get you nowhere, man.
Going strictly by consensus he’s a better poet than you think. I also think, though, that your assessment of his hubris is probably on the mark. He’d probably agree with you, too. Funny how egos work that way. In any event, you are probably not alone here on the Sphere in your assessment of his work. I don't share it, for the most part, but understand.
I would try to mount a counter offensive but — Why? I liked the poem and, although I'm not very familiar with his work, I have read other poems (The Christmas Sparrow, The Lanyard, and others, along with
this collaboration/animation of his poems — I promise the video will make you dislike the man even more than you do already. But try to dismiss those thoughts and focus on the work) that are deeply thoughtful free verse. One could do a lot worse than Billy Collins in finding a readable poet.
I feel like I’ve offended you by posting his poetry. You didn’t have to click on the link (wink wink). Your Seussian response on the other hand, reveals a glibness that you may not want to flaunt. It's below the belt (ouch). But I get your point.
Given the tepid response I probably should have kept my delight to myself. It was all done within the moment which is hardly ever a good thing when it comes to places that are as discerning as this. t It's clear that your opinion of him had been formed long before this thread. You could have said nothing and would have made your point.
The poem is everything you say it is plus it's facetious. It's also humorous. Humor is a dangerous thing. I like the poem for its iconoclastic take on writing. But it also has that final stanza that burns to ashes everything that comes before it.
It's the lack of response that says more than anything you said. I get that message loud and clear. I like messages delivered that way. Maybe I'll think differently now about Collins' poetry. I don't think I'll be memorizing the Mr. Bill ditty.
James, thanks for being so kind in your cruelty
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