so we went to see billy collins give us his poetry a few years ago at a nearby college campus.
after he was finished, i ran to get in line so he could sign my book. there was some dude there doing the chop chop face at us to hurry through the line faster.
when it was my turn, i opened my mouth and suddenly these words were falling from it, "mr. collins, i know i'm supposed to tell you how great and wonderful you are and everything, but all i really want to say is that you completely delight me... can i hug you?"
his pen is poised to sign and he stops. he sits back in his chair and laughs and says, "sure!"
he stands up and gives me this HUGE hug AND gives me a quick peck on my hair hanging down over my neck.
i say "thank you!" snatch my book up, and run to will yelling, "I JUST MADE OUT WITH THE POET-LAUREATE OF THE UNITED STATES!!!!"
the whole place went up in a roar of laughter. i still love to tell people about that.
That's strange, superG. I was going to send you an e-mail saying that I thought you might enjoy this. I didn't know the story or that you were so enamored of him.
i prefer to think that great minds just think alike. ;) if he ever comes out your way, you must go see him read! i've always dug his poetry - sicily sue turned my onto him years ago - but to see him is a whole 'nother thing. i LOVE that dry sense of humor and voice. perfect.
6 comments:
That was quite beautiful...
so we went to see billy collins give us his poetry a few years ago at a nearby college campus.
after he was finished, i ran to get in line so he could sign my book. there was some dude there doing the chop chop face at us to hurry through the line faster.
when it was my turn, i opened my mouth and suddenly these words were falling from it, "mr. collins, i know i'm supposed to tell you how great and wonderful you are and everything, but all i really want to say is that you completely delight me... can i hug you?"
his pen is poised to sign and he stops. he sits back in his chair and laughs and says, "sure!"
he stands up and gives me this HUGE hug AND gives me a quick peck on my hair hanging down over my neck.
i say "thank you!" snatch my book up, and run to will yelling, "I JUST MADE OUT WITH THE POET-LAUREATE OF THE UNITED STATES!!!!"
the whole place went up in a roar of laughter. i still love to tell people about that.
he. is. AWESOME.
That's strange, superG. I was going to send you an e-mail saying that I thought you might enjoy this. I didn't know the story or that you were so enamored of him.
Spooky.
Too, too cool. And funny, too!
Absolutely FANTASTIC!!
i prefer to think that great minds just think alike. ;) if he ever comes out your way, you must go see him read! i've always dug his poetry - sicily sue turned my onto him years ago - but to see him is a whole 'nother thing. i LOVE that dry sense of humor and voice. perfect.
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