A Poet Who Has Touched Me

A Poet Who Has Touched Me


Can a poet be known
of poetry alone?

Am I blind to him other
than what is revealed

in a world self-made
of fiction or reality?

This man I know
only through that

which is the poetry of
his soul.

Whether I know him or not,
he has only what God gives him.

Right now God promises him less
and lets my own end be blessedly unknown.

I cannot make sense 
of dying around me

Nor of my own whenever
that should be. 

I know only too well
it will be.

Kathryn McL. Collins

this was written for a poet friend who died not long after the poem was written.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Watson Avatar
February 3, 2014 at 1:30 PM
A wonderful tribute . Such friendship illuminates the heart forever,
Austin Avatar
February 2, 2014 at 11:28 AM
Do I have any secrets? Only the worm will know. Hardy harr, harr. Love, daver
Collins Avatar
February 2, 2014 at 11:33 AM
uckies.
Austin Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 1:25 PM
This sounds familiar. Maybe not, but I have commented that no one truly knows anyone else. There is a secret place in everyone's being. Your fine remembrance brings this out, as well as life's sure end. Love, daver
Collins Avatar
February 2, 2014 at 8:58 AM
Daver - A secret place we think no one sees until a poem emerges. Yet, some things ever must be quarantined. Got any hot secrets? love again, Kathy
Richards Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 10:31 AM
What a lovely way to remember someone.....it touches my heart, and is a beauty. :)
Collins Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 10:37 AM
Thanks Carrie. He is one who I only knew through poetry. I once co-wrote a poem with him. love, Kathy
Tsiluma Avatar
January 22, 2014 at 1:20 AM
Beautiful dedication Kathryn! And yes, I do think you can know a person through their poetry. Someone used the term 'soul poet' - that person you resonate with and thoroughly understand though you've never met.
Collins Avatar
January 23, 2014 at 8:56 AM
Thank you Vicky. I love the way expressed the "soul" of my poem. love, fellow soul mate Kathy
A   Avatar
January 14, 2014 at 11:57 AM
Kathryn, sorry to hear about this... A moving poem.... xox..Linda
Collins Avatar
January 23, 2014 at 8:57 AM
Thanks Linda. love, Kathy
Austin Avatar
January 13, 2014 at 10:39 AM
Great thought food, Kathy. I am determined that everyone has secrets that dare not be revealed, not only because of social reaction, but for one's own good psychologically. Like - Bach's music is marvelous and this is all I really want to know about him. I'm sure Bach had secrets that will never be revealed. Love, Dave
Collins Avatar
January 23, 2014 at 9:08 AM
Daver All the greats have enormous secrets I'll bet. I wonder how long he kept his before he could no longer hide it. What genius to compose and 'hear." Miraculous. love, Kathy
Williams Avatar
January 11, 2014 at 1:40 PM
Kathy an extremely heartfelt write, very well written...David
Collins Avatar
January 12, 2014 at 8:39 AM
Thank you David. I wrote this about a fellow poet a few years back. Never met him in person, but you know how connected we soul mates become. love, Kathy
Guzzi Avatar
December 31, 2013 at 4:07 PM
When ever you need a cheer me up you call me we can do that movie! Happy New Year my friend Light & Love
Collins Avatar
December 31, 2013 at 5:15 PM
Ok Debbie. That will be fun. I hers it's going to snow this weekend. I'm still at the Outer Banks. Sorry I'll have to miss it. Brrrr
Dunn Avatar
December 29, 2013 at 3:58 PM
Sad to hear of his death, but this is a very well done write i think he would like it if he could have read it but in his stance if it is ok i thought it was a nice tribute, in some senes cheri
Collins Avatar
December 31, 2013 at 5:17 PM
Thanks Cheri for the nice comment
Kilmer Avatar
December 28, 2013 at 5:50 PM
Kathy - beautiful verse. Your memories and verse will keep him alive. Tears hit floor as I read this. Bless you and him. ~Kilmer
Collins Avatar
December 28, 2013 at 6:44 PM
Thank you Kilmer. I think it applies to all the poets I admire, not only those near death. love katerina
Marcum Wong Avatar
December 28, 2013 at 5:40 PM
A beautiful tribute for a poet whose last gift will surely be remembered. "Each man's death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know For whom the bell tolls, It tolls for thee." -John Donne Your lovely poem has me recall Mr.Donne's words in his famous poem. My sympathy for your loss Kathryn.
Collins Avatar
December 28, 2013 at 6:42 PM
Thanks Connie. I think you know who it is about. Remember Tom Atterberry? We actually wrote a poem together. Maybe I'll post it here. I love the quote.
Mehta Avatar
December 27, 2013 at 8:36 PM
Nice tribute you paid to your friend, Kathryn
Collins Avatar
December 28, 2013 at 6:45 PM
Thank you Dr. Ram. Poetry brings us all together.
Bauer Avatar
December 27, 2013 at 3:59 PM
very poignant! the last 6 lines are brilliant...
Collins Avatar
December 28, 2013 at 6:47 PM
Thanks Ilene. I'm glad you liked those last six lines. Some say Beethoven's last words were "must it be"
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace