Billy Collins (22 March 1941 - / New York City)

It’s Not Easy Being Poetry

Yesterday, I spotted a poem through the window.
darting across Main Street
it narrowly escaped the embrace
of two fervid lovers
and panted feverishly
as it ducked into my diner
where the waitress dreamily
poured a steaming cup
of coffee
right into its lap.

Great poem! I love it!

A poem is always there
waiting to be caught,
right out of thin air.

It can't be sought-
after,
and never, ever bought.

you have described poetry in a pleasurable and interesting way...beautiful

Nice poem; more than nice actually.

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?

Robert Frost once made similar comments about dissecting a poem. I heard them years ago on an old scratchy record where he was reading his poems at a college. It was wonderful to see similar thoughts put down in verse and to see two great poets voicing the same sentiments.

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

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.)

Just discovered Billy Collins today! He himself holds up an idea like a multifaceted crystal and as it rotates he translates the light into such evocative and accessable poetry. Wonderful.