Name-checking Billy F***in Collins

by Melanie Browne

I thought about it,
and I really don't want to waste
your time with another
poem that name-checks
Billy Collins.

I changed my mind.
He's much too
anal for me.

No offense intended,
but i cant stare
any longer
at the
clean and shiny
bowl of lemons
sitting on a
quiet, lonely table

or smell the
hand sanitizer,
the folded corners
of a hospital sheet

I hate to leave
You empty handed,
I know you were
Looking forward
To a good Billy- Collins
Name-checking.

Sorry,
Really I am…
Want some sugar-free gum?