Billie Collins to the Rescue

I recently discovered poet, Billie Collins.
In recognition of his writing style and philosophy on the start of a poem, I am postponing my attempt to write a poem a day. It's not my natural method; I don't like the daily attempt ruling my life; and his natural way of composing is very similar to mine so I feel justified.

You can read two of his poems, "Workshop" and "Introduction to Poetry" at the Poetry Foundation Website.

In an interview at The Paris Review by George Plimpton, Collins discusses how writing poetry is "a very sporadic activity" for him. He talks of the "vigilance involved" and the "DNA" of the first line that "gets a poem going" and out of which "the rest of the poem is constructed." He can tell when the first line "wants to continue" and can "feel a sense of momentum." For him the pen is not an instrument recording prior thought, but is used as a "flashlight" with the possibility of illuminating "something of value."