Billy Collins’ newest collection, “Musical Tables,” sings tiny melodies with perfect pitch.
“Small poems are drastic examples of poetry’s way of squeezing large content into tight spaces,” Collins writes in the afterward. “The small poem is a flash, a gesture, a gambit without the game that follows. There’s no room for landscape here, or easeful reflection, but there is the opportunity for humor and poignancy.”
Also for a few sharp digs.
Here are three of my favorites…
Teenager
Even a branch on an evergreen
may take an unexpected turn
up, down, or sideways
and grow substantial
in some weird direction.
ENG 243: The History of Egoism
You will notice, class,
that Wordsworth did not write
“Edward, the butcher’s son,
wandered lonely as a cloud.”
Medieval Photography
Nothing came out very well.
People thought sitting still was odd.
Black and white had yet to be conceived,
Even though many days were grey
with low clouds and unpredictable rain.
You remembered someone by closing your eyes.
January 8, 2023 at 7:15 am
I’m sorry to say that to me, the best part of Billy Collins new book of “poetry” is its cover!
January 8, 2023 at 8:05 am
I hear you, Nancy! It’s really different. I’ve had mixed feelings too but it’s grown on me. Xoxo
January 8, 2023 at 9:40 am
I am not a reader of poetry but became a fan of Billy Collins after hearing him at a Nashville Library event years ago. His sharp wit regarding life’s challenges (divorce, adolescence) turned me into an instant fan girl!
January 8, 2023 at 1:14 pm
I remember Billy Collins coming to the Nashville Public Library as well! Good times. Thinking of you, Carrie, and thank you for being in touch! Xoxo
January 8, 2023 at 10:07 pm
Oh my goodness, I cannot wait to pick this up at a local bookstore. I love these snippets. They made me smile and laugh out loud. Billy Collins must have a great sense of the absurd!