It is not the worst thing in the world to assume that a poem about an obvious subject is actually about that subject. In fact, it is not only perfectly natural, it is sometimes preferable. Sometimes, but not very often. And it is even worse is...

It is not the worst thing in the world to assume that a poem about an obvious subject is actually about that subject. In fact, it is not only perfectly natural, it is sometimes preferable. Sometimes, but not very often. And it is even worse is...

There comes a time for many people when the gruffness and chaos of the real world becomes too much and they crave a break from it all. Throughout the poem "Fishing on the Susquehanna in July," Billy Collins is able to convey this desire to remove...

When it comes to literature, individual stylistic preferences can differ radically. Some people like long, flowery, detailed pieces of elaborate writing, while others prefer short and simple ones. As a poet himself, Billy Collins is at times quite...