Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

CONSOLATION, by BILLY COLLINS Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"Consolation" is a poem by Billy Collins, first published in his 2001 collection "Sailing Alone Around the Room: New and Selected Poems." Billy Collins is a renowned American poet, known for his accessible and humorous style. He served as the Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003 and has won numerous awards for his poetry.

Explanation:

In "Consolation," Billy Collins explores the idea of finding comfort in the world around us. The poem begins with the speaker describing a cat, curled up in a ball, sleeping in a pool of sunlight. The speaker admires the cat's ability to fully embrace the present moment, unburdened by worries about the future or regrets about the past. The speaker then goes on to describe other things in the natural world that offer comfort, such as a tree's shade or a bird's song.

The poem can be interpreted as a meditation on the beauty of the natural world and the ways in which it can offer solace in times of distress. Collins emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and finding joy in the simple things around us.

Poetic Elements:

Structure: The poem consists of three stanzas of varying lengths, with no regular rhyme scheme or meter.
Imagery: The poem contains vivid descriptions of natural scenes, such as a cat sleeping in a pool of sunlight or a tree's shade.
Metaphor: The cat serves as a metaphor for the idea of living in the present moment, unburdened by worries about the future or regrets about the past.

Conclusion:

In "Consolation," Billy Collins encourages us to find comfort in the world around us, particularly in the natural world. He suggests that by living in the present moment and appreciating the beauty of the world around us, we can find solace in times of distress. The poem's simple structure and vivid imagery contribute to its message of finding joy in the simple things in life.

Poem Snippet:

"So the catbird seat is right there where it has always been

underneath the flowering magnolia,

purring to itself and beyond measure.

And I am heading out for the milky skin of the page again."