Billy Collins: Exploring Death through Poetry

Billy Collins, the former United States Poet Laureate, has a remarkable ability to find beauty and contemplation in the most ordinary aspects of life. While his poems often explore themes such as love, childhood, and nature, Collins also delves into the profound topic of death with his characteristic wit and introspection. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of Collins' poignant poems that offer unique perspectives on mortality.

1. "The Dead"

In his poem "The Dead," Collins contemplates the inevitable end that awaits us all. Through vivid imagery and vivid descriptions, he examines the idea of death as a universal experience that unites every living being. Here is an excerpt from the poem:

"The dead are always looking down on us, they say,
while we are putting on our shoes or making a sandwich,
they are looking down through the glass-bottom boats of heaven
as they row themselves slowly through eternity."

Collins' words remind us that even in our most mundane moments, the departed are watching over us, observing our everyday actions from their celestial vantage point. This idea offers solace and suggests that death is not an end but rather a continuation of existence in a different form.

2. "No Time"

In "No Time," Collins explores the fleeting nature of life and the realization that death is always looming. The poem reflects on missed opportunities and the urgency to live fully in the present moment. Here is an excerpt:

"In a rush this weekday morning,
I tap the horn as I speed past the cemetery
where my parents are buried
side by side beneath a slab of smooth granite."

The poet's encounter with the cemetery serves as a powerful reminder that time is running out and that we should appreciate the moments we have with loved ones. Collins' introspective tone encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and cherish the present without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

3. "The Revenant"

In "The Revenant," Collins explores the idea of the afterlife and the potential return of the deceased. The poem takes a more lighthearted approach to death, suggesting that the departed might come back as various creatures or even inanimate objects. Here is an excerpt:

"I am the dog you put to sleep,
as you like to call the needle of oblivion,
come back to tell you this simple thing:
I never liked you."

Through this humorous yet thought-provoking poem, Collins challenges our preconceived notions of death and suggests that the departed may have messages to convey or unfinished business to attend to. It encourages readers to consider the possibility of a continued presence beyond the physical realm.

Billy Collins' poems about death offer readers a fresh perspective on mortality. With his characteristic blend of humor, introspection, and vivid imagery, Collins invites us to reflect on the universal experiences of life and death. Whether contemplating the departed watching over us, the urgency of living in the present, or the potential return of the deceased, Collins' poems encourage us to embrace the profound beauty found in the inevitability of our own mortality.