Lesser Talents

Billy Collins wrote a poem,
A roll call of the dead.
The TV brought their faces up
To match the names he read.

His paean was so poignant;
With simplicity and power,
He honored all the victims
Of our nation’s darkest hour.

I listened to him, mesmerized.
He conjured such a mood
That anybody watching
Would be somber and subdued.

My husband turned to me and said,
“Now that’s a top-notch poet,”
Implying I’m not in that league,
As if I didn’t know it.

I tip my hat to Billy.
To my husband I replied
That lesser talents still possess
Some purpose they provide.

And so I write my thoughts in rhyme
Which somehow satisfies,
Despite the fact my lesser skills
This work exemplifies.