I'm next to ee cummings on the shelf

I’m next to e.e. cummings on the shelf
But not a book that has been written by him
But by someone who doesn’t write himself
But makes a living writing criticism.

A book that’s nothing but a dissertation
That tries to analyze the poet’s work
And that’s devoid of any inspiration
That drives a man at times to go berserk.

I like to think e.e., between the two,
Would choose the book that was composed by me;
The book of criticism he would eschew
In favor of the opportunity

To read my poetry, cause good or bad,
He knows like him I am a little mad.