Friday, February 11, 2022

Poetry Friday: Billy Collins again (not because I forgot, but because he deserves it)

It's Billy Collins again. 

I could lie and say that I forgot I shared a Billy Collins poem last week, but that's not true. I just can't get enough of Billy Collins (that's always been true). 

So, not because I've forgotten, but rather because I love "Forgetfulness" (and can relate), here it is: 

Forgetfulness

by Billy Collins

The name of the author is the first to go
followed obediently by the title, the plot,
the heartbreaking conclusion, the entire novel
which suddenly becomes one you have never read,
never even heard of,

as if, one by one, the memories you used to harbor
decided to retire to the southern hemisphere of the brain,
to a little fishing village where there are no phones.

(Read the rest here, at Poets.org.) 


And as long as we're on the subject of fading memories, we might need this today too: 

            

~~~~~~~~~~

 Don't forget to visit Linda Baie, who has the roundup at TeacherDance

12 comments:

Tabatha said...

I should watch that movie again. So many great parts!
I saw kids perform "Forgetfulness" for Poetry Out Loud and do an amazing job! You would think they couldn't relate to it yet, but it's easy to forget stuff at any age.

jama said...

Funny you should post "Forgetfulness" this week ... the other night I was bemoaning lost memories, wishing I had kept detailed journals over the years. So much lost to time. Collins always gets it just right, doesn't he?

Linda Mitchell said...

You had me at "Billy Collins again." Ha! I'm with you. I could read and/or listen to more and more and more of his work. This one holds an extra pinch though. He's so right about how forgetfulness goes.

Linda B said...

I will never get enough of Billy Collins, Karen. Keep it up! Some of this belongs in the bookstore when people really do come in and say things like "it is a red (or blue or purple) book. I think it has "house" in the title.". Thanks for the video, too, super fun (or sad depending). Love "to a little fishing village where there are no phones."

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Rose Cappelli said...

Love Billy Collins! And I agree with Jama, he always gets it right. Thanks for sharing this - I can definitely relate!

Linda said...

I never get tired of reading Billy Collins! I've never seen this movie. I must add that to my list before I forget. : ) Happy Valentine's Day, Karen!

Carol Varsalona said...

Thanks for another Billy Collins poem, Karen.

Ruth said...

This is one that always sticks in my mind because of the reference to the capital of Paraguay (where I now live!). Thanks for sharing it!

Patricia Franz said...

An ode to aging if ever there was one! Thank you for this delight!

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