The Kilkenny Arts Festival is a major highlight in my year and my first thought is always about the poets who will be reading there.
As I opened the Programme for this year, I thought of the wondrous evening in 2009 when I sat spellbound, just weeks after my mother’s death, listening to Seamus Heaney read as if I was the only person in St. Canice’s Cathedral. Nothing will ever take away that precious memory.
I pondered on just what poet could take my breath away even half as much as Seamus Heaney and doubted that anyone could.
However, I felt a frantic beating of my heart when I saw that Billy Collins, Poet Laureate of the US (2001-2003), will be reading at this year’s Festival. To tell the truth, I did about ten double-takes and re-checks just to be sure to be sure that it is THE Billy Collins whom I’ve come to love with a grand passion since being well introduced to him on my poetry thread on Linkedin.

Source: https://whatsnotwrong.wordpress.com
While I don’t want to wish the Summer away, I can’t wait for August 16th at the Parade Tower of Kilkenny Castle. What I would give to have a chance to talk with this man who has written so many poems that I adore. I can feel Seamus Heaney smiling as I write this. Well, you might, Seamus; but no matter what you’ll always be my number one!
Walking Across the Atlantic
I wait for the holiday crowd to clear the beach
before stepping onto the first wave.Soon I am walking across the Atlantic
thinking about Spain,
checking for whales, waterspouts.
I feel the water holding up my shifting weight.
Tonight I will sleep on its rocking surface.But for now I try to imagine what
this must look like to the fish below,
the bottoms of my feet appearing, disappearing.Billy Collins
He has the most shining eyes too! I would be excited to see him in August too.
Val x
Eyes tell so much, I always think!
He seems like a happy poet! Now, why does that sound like a contradiction? I’m not a huge fan of poetry, though I make exceptions for TS Eliot, an occasional Yeats, Kavanagh and, especially, almost anything by Paul Durcan. Will listen out for Billy Collins too, thought. Only because you said!
Paul Durcan is a gem! I totally agree.
You’ll get hooked on Billy Collins, I tell you.
Oh yes, what must the fish think? 😉 That’ll be a fun time for you! ❤ <2
Good point, WwH! Really looking forward to it!