where the heck is Manhattan Kansas

Mary and Brenda weathered the pouring rain and the 259.9 mile round trip drive to listen to Billy Collins last night.  There is definately a reason why the chosen few are appointed to the position of Poet Laureate.  He could be elected as stand-up comic-poet as well.  The auditorium seats filled as a sea of listners filed in.  By the time he reached the podium, the floor to the right and left of the stage was also occupied by crossed-legged college students. The next hour and a half was laughter and applause and occasional quiet contemplation.  So worth the trip.