I’ve been thinking about jealousy quite a bit lately. Along those lines, here is one more piece by Billy Collins before I have to return the library book.
The Rival Poet
The column of your book titles,
always introducing your latest one,
looms over me like Roman architecture.It is longer than the name of an Italian countess, longer
than this poem will probably be.Etched on the head of a pin,
my own production would leave room for
The lord’s Prayer and many dancing angels.
No matter.In my revenge dream I am the one
poised on the marble staircase
high above the crowded ballroom.
A retainer in livery announces me
and the Contessa Maria Teresa Isabella
Veronica Multalire Eleganza de Bella Ferrari.You are the one below
fidgeting in your rented tux
with some local Cindy hanging all over you.