Aimless Love is the first book of poetry I have ever read cover to cover. I found these poems were best read aloud... with the mental image and voice of the poet (see the clips below to hear what he sounds like). I had heard Billy Collins on Prairie Home Companion and was intrigued by his writing. On encouragement from my youngest sister (thanks, M!) I began reading through it in earnest. These poems seem to range from subtle amusement to the personally ambiguous. There is a vein of melancholy through many of them but perhaps, more accurately, reflection on the observations of daily life. I could only read a few at a time and let them digest or I would want to speak in the poet's style! I won't say I'm a big fan of poetry in general, but I am a fan of Billy Collins' poems. It was also fun getting to meet him and get my book autographed when he was in my neighborhood.
This video gives insight into this poet's process and passion for poetry. If you don't have time to watch the whole video, click ahead to 12:45. This is one of my favorite of poems!
