101 Books, Number 47

Favorite Books from Throughout My Life

47: Collected Poems, 1937, by Edwin Arlington Robinson (1869–1935)

I’m not sure of the origin—

Not sure why I began

To read and love the poems of

This most amazing man.

He led a very quiet life—

Was always somewhat shy.

But when his pen touched paper, well,

His voice soared to the sky.

I’ve read his works—but all of them?

(I’m not too sure of that).

But this I know of Robinson:

He sang on pitch, not flat.

And “Richard Cory”? Probably

His most re-published lines,

But others—oh, of Mr. Flood*

And Cheevy**? Tasty wines!

I visited his homes in Maine***

(His grave is also there)

And read all books about his life

And memorized with care

The poems that I love the most

From this great poet’s hand.

Dive in and read him when you can—

Then you will understand.****

*”Mr. Flood’s Party”

**”Miniver Cheevy”

***born in Head Tide, lived in Gardiner (also buried there)

****He won three Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry