Introduction To Poetry Poem by Billy Collins

Introduction To Poetry

Rating: 4.5


I ask them to take a poem
and hold it up to the light
like a color slide

or press an ear against its hive.

I say drop a mouse into a poem
and watch him probe his way out,

or walk inside the poem's room
and feel the walls for a light switch.

I want them to waterski
across the surface of a poem
waving at the author's name on the shore.

But all they want to do
is tie the poem to a chair with rope
and torture a confession out of it.

They begin beating it with a hose
to find out what it really means.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Joe Antebi 15 November 2010

Literally, Billy Collins informs his readers to read poetry for enjoyment instead of dissecting it and trying to figure out a deeper meaning. Ironically, as a reader, I am still trying to dissect his poem. I realized that the word 'poem' can be substituted with the word 'snake' which completely makes sense. Collins uses phrases such as 'I dropp a mouse into the poem' and ' I want them to waterski across the surface of the poem' which alludes to the characteristics of a snake. Does anybody agree?

49 55 Reply
Nurain Ali-balogun 08 October 2011

Nice poem; more than nice actually.

43 25 Reply
Bob Beers 27 December 2008

DEAR BILLY COLLINS Where’s the one where you crawl under skin pierce the bad man’s heart get dirty with the homeless save the world from annihilation? You waterski and wave, dropp a mouse and feel for a switch, press an ear and see the light. Superman, yes! Or is it Clark Kent? I see you working at the Planet reclined in your favorite chair more powerful than a locomotive. Feel you forming your next word, bending steal with bare hands. But, where’s the one that speaks of pain, of fear, of vice and sin? I want to be your neighbor on Lois Lane lined with elm trees and picket fence. Very truly yours, Bob Beers (Sorry, the system insists on placing an extra p in drop.)

25 29 Reply
Carlos Echeverria 05 September 2012

A poem is always there waiting to be caught, right out of thin air. It can't be sought- after, and never, ever bought.

23 28 Reply
Sandra Andrew 03 June 2009

His poem was touching, makes you feel different ways about the poem.

21 28 Reply
Sylvia Frances Chan 08 March 2024

THREE: CONGRATULATIONS dear Professor Collins, being chosen by PoemHunter And Team as The Modern Poem Of The Day, on this International Women's Day. Hooray!

0 0 Reply
Sylvia Frances Chan 08 March 2024

TWO: since you are my Professor too. All your precious and fascinating poems have great great humor and I have learned much from you(r) poem.5 Stars as Highest may I give you according to PoemHunter rules. For me your poems are a myriad worth.

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Sylvia Frances Chan 08 March 2024

ONE: Excellent poem presented in full flavour of great success in all its brilliance, how many times I have read this, dear Professor Collins, I have constantly greatest pleisure, .

0 0 Reply
Dr Dillip K Swain 08 March 2024

A wonderful prelude to poetry... liked it

0 0 Reply
Richard Randolph 08 March 2024

Great poem. Love it!

0 0 Reply
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