Michael Shepherd - 0119 You great ones

How is it, you great ones,
when I read your poems
whether with
too quick an enchantment
or, impatient again,
almost giving up
in the care to know exactly
what you mean

that you are in the room with me
watching as I read
listening as I read
without judgment
watching, listening,
with the sublime detachment
of the immortal

while I, have learned
not to fear your judgment
not to be concerned
but just to read

in the radiance, the radiance
of your presence


(for Hugh Cobb who reminded me)

Michael Shepherd

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/0119-you-great-ones/