Billy Collins

"It seems only yesterday I used to believethere was nothing under my skin but light. If you cut me I could shine."

"You know the parlor trick.wrap your arms around your own bodyand from the back it looks likesomeone is embracing youher hands grasping your shirther fingernails teasing your neckfrom the front it is another storyyou never looked so aloneyour crossed elbows and screwy grinyou could be waiting for a tailorto fit you with a straight jacketone that would hold you really tight."

"No one here likes a wet dog."