Four weeks into the school year, my morning routine has been sliced and diced and reconfigured into a new and less flexible shape. Already my morning writing has suffered. This week I’ve been thinking and writing about the importance of just showing up to write (here) and then resolving to do better. In this midst of these thoughts, I happened across this poem by Billy Collins–Another nudge to show up and take the time and write.
You, Reader
I wonder how you are going to feel
when you find out
that I wrote this instead of you,
that it was I who got up early
to sit in the kitchen
and mention with a pen
the rain-soaked windows,
the ivy wallpaper,
and the goldfish circling in its bowl.
…
If you’d like to read the poem in its entirety click here. You will also have the opportunity to click on an audio link and hear Billy Collins give an amusing introduction to the poem before reading it aloud.
You can find more poetic wonders at the Poetry Friday Roundup, hosted this week by Karen Edmisten–click here to join in the fun!
Nix the comfort zone 
That Billy Collins. He makes it look easy, doesn’t he?
LikeLiked by 1 person
He certainly does! I so enjoy his poems!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too. He and Mary Oliver are two of my favorites of all time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect. I love Billy Collins.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s simply wonderful, isn’t he?
LikeLike
Nice that he’s giving us this lesson on a Friday, so maybe the writing will happen this weekend? Best to you, Molly, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a treat. Thanks, Molly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember taking a technical writing course years ago, not particularly interesting stuff, but the instructor did give me a piece of advice that has stuck with me to this day – when it comes to writing, don’t be lazy. A pianist practices every day, a basketball star practices every day, what makes you think you’re any different? Writing is like anything else, to be any good you need a little bit of talent and a whole lot of practice. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great advice! It’s always easier said than done though, isn’t it?
LikeLike
I love this poem – so easy. Like a well designed garment without too many distracting accessories. Just clean and simple and to the point. Time to write again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your analogy!
LikeLike
I love how Billy Collins sneaks in his unique point of view–talking to/writing for us envious writers (he knows us well). And all the best with your re-jigged schedule!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Billy Collins always nails it, doesn’t he? I love the images in this poem, especially that bowl of pears. I’ve also found it hard to find a comfortable writing groove since school began. I know you’ll find your way back to your writing, Molly. Looking forward to reading what you discover there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect way to begin the PF roundup. I, too, am struggling to find/maintain a morning writing routine. Or, if not morning, daily. It’s October. I’m gonna make it happen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck MaryLee! I’ve decided to go for time rather than volume right now and see if that’s easier for me to manage. Keeping my fingers crossed for both of us!
LikeLike
You, Molly, are nudging not only yourself to show up but you are nudging me. It’s time to place the pen to the paper and the fingers to the the keys. As always, thanks for sharing a great poem and for the inspiration!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looking forward to seeing the fruits of your labor, Amy! You have such a knack for structuring your pieces and I am always inspired by your efforts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Leave it to Billy Collins to shame us into doing our writing. I’ve written any number of things that I never got around to finishing and later found someone else had written, and published, a book on the same subject. If only I had finished…
LikeLiked by 1 person
He does it so nicely, though! 🙂
LikeLike