Lighting a Stick of Incense

[Lake]

Lighting a Stick of Incense


Now he lies a continent away
from here, in his usual T-shirt
and jeans. He prefers nymphs
to bibles, so no priests present.
His computer must be at rest, too
for we haven’t received
any emails nor seen
his name flashing since then.

What could I do
to a caring poet’s death?
Once, he wrote to me:
Just remember never
to underestimate yourself,
it can sometimes prove to be
just as detrimental
as overestimation.
If you’re unsure of
anything, just ask.

I was too late to ask
while he was awake.
Today, I light this thin
stick of incense for
this poet’s broad heart
on his 101st birthday.
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the trouble with poetry is that it encourages the writing of more poetry -- Billy Collins

[justjust123]

i like this poem. Remembering the poet's words and what type of person he was is a very sincere way to honor his memory on his birthday (101st).

[Lake]

Just,

Thanks for the "st", I felt there was something missing. I'll add it back.
_________________
the trouble with poetry is that it encourages the writing of more poetry -- Billy Collins