I was in my car a while ago and turned on the car radio to NPR. Prairie Home Companion was on, and I heard a familiar voice: Garrison Keillor was Guy Noir, of course, but the other distinctive voice was Billy Collins. I first heard Mr. Collins read his poetry on this same show a few years ago, when he was Poet Laureate of the United States. I loved his somewhat quirky poetry so much that I ordered his CD: "The Best Cigarette", a collection of his poems read by in his soft voice.
He read his new poem "The Revenant" (a revenant is one who has returned from death) on Prairie Home Companion. You can hear him read it on his new CD, "Billy Collins Live: A Performance at the Peter Norton Symphony Space".
Here's the thing. I just did a long post about Collins's poem "The Lanyard", which I first heard years ago and liked very much. When I went back to link to some of my other Collins posts, I found I had already done a post about "The Lanyard", thank you very much. And so another poem of his entitled "Forgetfulness" is probably most relevant here.
The Revenant by Billy Collins
I am the dog you put to sleep,
as you like to call the needle of oblivion,
come back to tell you this simple thing:
I never liked you--not one bit.
When I licked your face,
I thought of biting off your nose.
When I watched you toweling yourself dry,
I wanted to leap and unman you with a snap.
I resented the way you moved,
your lack of animal grace,
the way you would sit in a chair and eat,
a napkin on your lap, knife in your hand.
I would have run away,
but I was too weak, a trick you taught me
while I was learning to sit and heel,
and--greatest of insults--shake hands without a hand.
I admit the sight of the leash
would excite me
but only because it meant I was about
to smell things you had never touched.
You do not want to believe this,
but I have no reason to lie.
I hated the car, the rubber toys,
disliked your friends and, worse, your relatives.
The jingling of my tags drove me mad.
You always scratched me in the wrong place.
All I ever wanted from you
was food and fresh water in my metal bowls.
While you slept, I watched you breathe
as the moon rose in the sky.
It took all my strength
not to raise my head and howl.
Now I am free of the collar,
the yellow raincoat, monogrammed sweater,
the absurdity of your lawn,
and that is all you need to know about this place
except what you already supposed
and are glad it did not happen sooner--
that everyone here can read and write,
the dogs in poetry, the cats and the others in prose.
Illustration from Crawley Creatures
tvkfisjbooboxpsme, Video 3ds max tutorials, CMEFKfF, [url=http://viscorbel.com/3ds-max-tutorials/]3d Max Tutorials[/url], izsnstL, http://viscorbel.com/3ds-max-tutorials/ 3ds Max Tutorials, hxfaebP.
Posted by: Best 3ds max tutorials | January 28, 2012 at 03:19 AM
ssifisjbooboxpsme, Agency counseling credit debt management, izLhopB, [url=http://www.debtmanagementprofessionals.net/]Advanced debt management solutions[/url], OsLOeuE, http://www.debtmanagementprofessionals.net/ Best debt management services, FxEzXZv, How to get rid of butt pimples, vcwTurj, [url=http://www.howtogetridofpimplesandacneovernight.com/]how to get rid of pimples overnight[/url], wQVXweJ, http://www.howtogetridofpimplesandacneovernight.com/ How to get rid of pimples fast, TWTdKcD, Supplement Reviews, OEbYEQE, [url=http://www.supplementnews.org/]Supplement Reviews[/url], LLKowTj, http://www.supplementnews.org/ Natural adhd supplement reviews, yWKpFEy, Make money online, cStXTvI, [url=http://www.easycash4life.com]make money online[/url], Hjhkjsr, http://www.easycash4life.com Make money online business, qFKYull, Hair Loss, iQrXBVC, [url=http://www.laserhairlosscomb.com.au/]Hair Loss[/url], jchZWTs, http://www.laserhairlosscomb.com.au/ Organin hair loss product, diSvEcu, Dog Snuggie, vJeCmHN, [url=http://ly2fromwf.com/]Dog Snuggie[/url], KwBZOuR, http://ly2fromwf.com/ Dog Snuggie, KMMIZhM.
Posted by: Debt Management | January 28, 2012 at 03:51 AM
qtwbgsjbooboxpsme, Macrobiotic diet, zPNcNfB, [url=http://diet1202.com/]Mediterranean diet[/url], KPmYYQX, http://diet1202.com/ Kirstie alley diet, EUEsMod.
Posted by: Diet pills that work fast | January 28, 2012 at 04:02 AM
qtwbgsjbooboxpsme, Macrobiotic diet, zPNcNfB, [url=http://diet1202.com/]Mediterranean diet[/url], KPmYYQX, http://diet1202.com/ Kirstie alley diet, EUEsMod.
Posted by: Diet pills that work fast | January 28, 2012 at 04:02 AM
oxxnxsjbooboxpsme, Beri ultimate, UFPzIUW, [url=http://healthyweightlosstrends.com/reviews/beri-ultimate-review]Beri ultimate[/url], vHaigGm, http://healthyweightlosstrends.com/reviews/beri-ultimate-review Beri ultimate pro, COVDEOJ, Acai berry juice, XpLkQZU, [url=http://acaiberry-guide.com/]Side effects from acai berry[/url], HDbDqGe, http://acaiberry-guide.com/ Does acai berry really help with weight loss, EwkDawJ, Nokia themes, vgbzSfg, [url=http://1nokia.org/]Nokia[/url], zwbrHYP, http://1nokia.org/ Nokia n800 replacement earphones, TnWBGnj, Mens volume pills, DYTXiSR, [url=http://volumepills-blog.com/]Volume Pills[/url], TzEiWMr, http://volumepills-blog.com/ Volume pills before and after, gtVRKik, Why not cyclobenzaprine more than, nlfpWUo, [url=http://www.cyclobenzaprinepharm.com/]Cyclobenzaprine percocet[/url], aiTObtP, http://www.cyclobenzaprinepharm.com/ Shelf life cyclobenzaprine, ZoLOWzx, Irs rebate checks, rNpliPB, [url=http://irsfaq.net/]Irs form 1099[/url], CxvqrqT, http://irsfaq.net/ Irs form 1040, pPePVIj.
Posted by: Tax form w9 irs | January 28, 2012 at 04:06 AM
oxxnxsjbooboxpsme, Beri ultimate, UFPzIUW, [url=http://healthyweightlosstrends.com/reviews/beri-ultimate-review]Beri ultimate[/url], vHaigGm, http://healthyweightlosstrends.com/reviews/beri-ultimate-review Beri ultimate pro, COVDEOJ, Acai berry juice, XpLkQZU, [url=http://acaiberry-guide.com/]Side effects from acai berry[/url], HDbDqGe, http://acaiberry-guide.com/ Does acai berry really help with weight loss, EwkDawJ, Nokia themes, vgbzSfg, [url=http://1nokia.org/]Nokia[/url], zwbrHYP, http://1nokia.org/ Nokia n800 replacement earphones, TnWBGnj, Mens volume pills, DYTXiSR, [url=http://volumepills-blog.com/]Volume Pills[/url], TzEiWMr, http://volumepills-blog.com/ Volume pills before and after, gtVRKik, Why not cyclobenzaprine more than, nlfpWUo, [url=http://www.cyclobenzaprinepharm.com/]Cyclobenzaprine percocet[/url], aiTObtP, http://www.cyclobenzaprinepharm.com/ Shelf life cyclobenzaprine, ZoLOWzx, Irs rebate checks, rNpliPB, [url=http://irsfaq.net/]Irs form 1099[/url], CxvqrqT, http://irsfaq.net/ Irs form 1040, pPePVIj.
Posted by: Tax form w9 irs | January 28, 2012 at 04:06 AM
getlzsjbooboxpsme, blast xl, TgGgYlO, [url=http://maleenhancementsreviewed.com/blast-xl-review]blast xl reviews[/url], aTZWTeL, http://maleenhancementsreviewed.com/blast-xl-review blast xl, wVzqcSR.
Posted by: Northstar blast xl | January 31, 2012 at 04:05 AM
ndwgjsjbooboxpsme, Dizziness caused by klonopin, JyJfjsF, [url=http://www.onlinemedsreview.com/ViewMedInfo_20214.html]Klonopin overdose[/url], qewHQQD, http://www.onlinemedsreview.com/ViewMedInfo_20214.html Zoloft and klonopin for bipolar treatment, RcXmfcI.
Posted by: Klonopin | January 31, 2012 at 04:10 AM
lxyuvsjbooboxpsme, Cialis soft in clubs, ejxQRGQ, [url=http://myplatinumplusent.com/]Tadalafil cialis from india[/url], jWeZZeO, http://myplatinumplusent.com/ Cialis cheap, lFUKdUU, Pictures of cat scratch disease, ePKNVAB, [url=http://tomorrowwebdesigns.com/]Cat breed pictures[/url], rrAJRYE, http://tomorrowwebdesigns.com/ Ragdoll cat pictures, FFsAaQr, Cialis, qYicsgi, [url=http://yourtadalafilguide.com/]Cialis vs viagra[/url], iqtMPJm, http://yourtadalafilguide.com/ Order cialis soft 20mg, rsQLiEM, Ultramax bathmate, uioffnl, [url=http://directpenispump.com/]Bathmate maximus[/url], XDgXwuJ, http://directpenispump.com/ Bathmate first use, nEekoKo, Cialis viagra, MTsDBdR, [url=http://smokingtreesinbelize.com/]Cheapest viagra substitut[/url], JViBYXH, http://smokingtreesinbelize.com/ Cheap viagra online, PDCOnEh, Fda approves viagra, PLdeEyn, [url=http://wardausa.org/]Viagra side effects[/url], BiMGQZW, http://wardausa.org/ Russia status of viagra, OLCqLyc.
Posted by: Find viagra free edinburgh search | February 01, 2012 at 03:56 AM
sstnzsjbooboxpsme, Hgh products, ygFMoyp, [url=http://personalhghblog.com/]Better than hgh[/url], YCwCOax, http://personalhghblog.com/ Hgh patch, ofxpXZd, Generic viagra, qHXtidK, [url=http://ericseanbenedict.com/]Buy cheap viagra online uk[/url], AdxDcmY, http://ericseanbenedict.com/ Free viagra sample, PosKGXt, Levitra viagra cialis, yXNcuOO, [url=http://www.levitraonreview.com/]Levitra vente[/url], FWQDJCq, http://www.levitraonreview.com/ Levitra, FxAzSVX, Generic viagra cheap no prescription, CEOcTJh, [url=http://freeviagraguide.com/]Generic brands of viagra online[/url], lyfwmsn, http://freeviagraguide.com/ Viagra 125 mg, vqNEDdH, HCG Diet, yZLlHWu, [url=http://stevesmith12.com/]Hcg diet research[/url], jEYCdsX, http://stevesmith12.com/ Is hcg diet safe?, YDnRFhj, Angry birds 5 1, YGOPKoJ, [url=http://angrybirdsplaying.com/]Angry birds 3-14[/url], YHFqiiC, http://angrybirdsplaying.com/ angry birds online, fFBZUqc.
Posted by: HGH | February 01, 2012 at 03:56 AM
sstnzsjbooboxpsme, Hgh products, ygFMoyp, [url=http://personalhghblog.com/]Better than hgh[/url], YCwCOax, http://personalhghblog.com/ Hgh patch, ofxpXZd, Generic viagra, qHXtidK, [url=http://ericseanbenedict.com/]Buy cheap viagra online uk[/url], AdxDcmY, http://ericseanbenedict.com/ Free viagra sample, PosKGXt, Levitra viagra cialis, yXNcuOO, [url=http://www.levitraonreview.com/]Levitra vente[/url], FWQDJCq, http://www.levitraonreview.com/ Levitra, FxAzSVX, Generic viagra cheap no prescription, CEOcTJh, [url=http://freeviagraguide.com/]Generic brands of viagra online[/url], lyfwmsn, http://freeviagraguide.com/ Viagra 125 mg, vqNEDdH, HCG Diet, yZLlHWu, [url=http://stevesmith12.com/]Hcg diet research[/url], jEYCdsX, http://stevesmith12.com/ Is hcg diet safe?, YDnRFhj, Angry birds 5 1, YGOPKoJ, [url=http://angrybirdsplaying.com/]Angry birds 3-14[/url], YHFqiiC, http://angrybirdsplaying.com/ angry birds online, fFBZUqc.
Posted by: HGH | February 01, 2012 at 03:57 AM
jloiysjbooboxpsme, Buy ativan, wLARljQ, [url=http://www.rancho-bel-air.com/ativan.html]Buy online c.o.d ativan 2 mg 500 cents a piece[/url], jzLqitX, http://www.rancho-bel-air.com/ativan.html Buy Ativan, vkVbZOS.
Posted by: Buy ativan without prescription | February 01, 2012 at 04:02 AM
atpixsjbooboxpsme, How to build muscle in older dogs, DrAspfO, [url=http://www.howtobuildmuscle.co/]How to build muscle for a skinny guy[/url], SlPDMcb, http://www.howtobuildmuscle.co/ How To Build Muscle, DgzJOzt.
Posted by: How To Build Muscle | February 01, 2012 at 04:02 AM
jloiysjbooboxpsme, Buy ativan, wLARljQ, [url=http://www.rancho-bel-air.com/ativan.html]Buy online c.o.d ativan 2 mg 500 cents a piece[/url], jzLqitX, http://www.rancho-bel-air.com/ativan.html Buy Ativan, vkVbZOS.
Posted by: Buy ativan without prescription | February 01, 2012 at 04:02 AM
atpixsjbooboxpsme, How to build muscle in older dogs, DrAspfO, [url=http://www.howtobuildmuscle.co/]How to build muscle for a skinny guy[/url], SlPDMcb, http://www.howtobuildmuscle.co/ How To Build Muscle, DgzJOzt.
Posted by: How To Build Muscle | February 01, 2012 at 04:02 AM
ygrrhsjbooboxpsme, Texas hold em poker online, hfchnnN, [url=http://shoprogueriversoaps.com/]Free poker online[/url], ivOeqmF, http://shoprogueriversoaps.com/ Online roulette poker, oOJLIcf.
Posted by: Free game live online poker | February 01, 2012 at 04:03 AM
ygrrhsjbooboxpsme, Texas hold em poker online, hfchnnN, [url=http://shoprogueriversoaps.com/]Free poker online[/url], ivOeqmF, http://shoprogueriversoaps.com/ Online roulette poker, oOJLIcf.
Posted by: Free game live online poker | February 01, 2012 at 04:04 AM
ehcdpsjbooboxpsme, Cialis online order, TKMPdYZ, [url=http://honorguard.org/]Cialis cost[/url], eQfnEKx, http://honorguard.org/ Cialis attorney columbus, lKSHvFj.
Posted by: Cheap cialis sale online | February 01, 2012 at 04:04 AM
ehcdpsjbooboxpsme, Cialis online order, TKMPdYZ, [url=http://honorguard.org/]Cialis cost[/url], eQfnEKx, http://honorguard.org/ Cialis attorney columbus, lKSHvFj.
Posted by: Cheap cialis sale online | February 01, 2012 at 04:04 AM
ktwbdsjbooboxpsme, Human growth hormone testosterone, HbYbNEf, [url=http://hghhowto.com/]Infant human growth hormone[/url], bVFKaVc, http://hghhowto.com/ Liver regeneration human growth hormone, vVvcHET.
Posted by: Human growth hormone releasers | February 01, 2012 at 04:14 AM
ktwbdsjbooboxpsme, Human growth hormone testosterone, HbYbNEf, [url=http://hghhowto.com/]Infant human growth hormone[/url], bVFKaVc, http://hghhowto.com/ Liver regeneration human growth hormone, vVvcHET.
Posted by: Human growth hormone releasers | February 01, 2012 at 04:14 AM
qdvoesjbooboxpsme, Cialis side effects, iGfyPYE, [url=http://honorguard.org/]Cialis and headache[/url], LZBIlOa, http://honorguard.org/ Cialis free trial, LykxITe, Breast enlargement texas, xtbMRdR, [url=http://shantideva.net/]Dallas breast enlargement[/url], iCFUbDS, http://shantideva.net/ Lone tree breast enlargement, sUlCnmR, Levitra viagra, vJCPvlC, [url=http://vardenafiledguide.com/]Levitra vente[/url], dDCTHsz, http://vardenafiledguide.com/ Effet du levitra, WQHfbwd, Aa car insurance, EXnPOBt, [url=http://www.carinsurancebag.com/]Find car insurance companies[/url], sUzypRS, http://www.carinsurancebag.com/ Alaska car insurance, CQNeqcP, Car insurance cheap, UOFpUfM, [url=http://ishgooda.org/]Find car insurance companies[/url], WHogwpH, http://ishgooda.org/ Wyoming car insurance, KWiHfal, Human growth hormone production at industrial level, mSIagHf, [url=http://easternsierratransitauthority.com/]Liquid human growth hormone taller[/url], zkMaaDj, http://easternsierratransitauthority.com/ Growth hormone human safe, QeOvIGA.
Posted by: Viagra cialis levitra | February 01, 2012 at 04:16 AM
swtassjbooboxpsme, Buy ambien without a prescription, utWyPGf, [url=http://www.hvpartnership.org/]Stop using ambien[/url], DKKJCiK, http://www.hvpartnership.org/ Ambien without a prescription, sEKTBMk.
Posted by: Ambien online | February 02, 2012 at 04:08 AM
swtassjbooboxpsme, Buy ambien without a prescription, utWyPGf, [url=http://www.hvpartnership.org/]Stop using ambien[/url], DKKJCiK, http://www.hvpartnership.org/ Ambien without a prescription, sEKTBMk.
Posted by: Ambien online | February 02, 2012 at 04:08 AM
zjualsjbooboxpsme, Description diazepam, FkgkmwF, [url=http://www.kashmirfriend.com/]Purchase diazepam[/url], kyLJxht, http://www.kashmirfriend.com/ Diazepam no prior prescription foreign pharmacies, cadgQMc.
Posted by: Can you take lorazepam and diazepam together | February 02, 2012 at 04:15 AM