Reading List 2010: Ballistics by Billy Collins

As with any poetry collection there are hits and there are misses. With “Ballistics”, I think most of these poems hit the mark. One reviewer observed that these poems tend to be a little overly self-indulgent for Billy – but I happen to think that most poetry is self-indulgent. Many of these poems are very philosophical and deeply personal with the usual dose of dry wit one comes to expect from Billy Collins.

One of the main reasons I like Billy Collins (apart from the aforementioned dry with) is his ability to say what he means. In one poem he chastises the school teacher who asks of their students, “Now, what do you think the poet was trying to say?” by replying that if such a question is asked of an Emily Dickinson poem, then obviously the great poet has failed in her poetry.

I spent an enjoyable afternoon with this book and recommend it heartily.