adam barricklow

On Ezra Pound

For every bad poem read, two good ones must be read to replace it

I think that Pound might have been on to something, the
whole two for one bit, though I believe it is more accurate
for the poet rather than reader, the cross of having to tip
the scales being squarely on their shoulders.

Perhaps the Illiad isn't really the classic we have been
taught, more of an apology, or an attempt to in one swoop
make up for all the bad work of a lifetime, all the poems that
bombed at the ancient Greek poetry slams, that were all the rage.

I picture outside the gates of heaven, underneath the watchful
eye of Saint Peter, poets, their knees not fitting underneath an
endless row of grade school desks, cramped handed, with extra
large number 2 pencils, writing for eternity, making amends.