'Pinup' by Billy Collins

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The murkiness of the local garage is not so dense
that you cannot make out the calendar of pinup
drawings on the wall above a bench of tools.
Your ears are ringing with the sound of
the mechanic hammering on your exhaust pipe,
and as you look closer you notice that this month's
is not the one pushing the lawn mower, wearing
a straw hat and very short blue shorts,
her shirt tied in a knot just below her breasts.
Nor is it the one in the admiral's cap, bending
forward, resting her hands on a wharf piling,
glancing over the tiny anchors on her shoulders.
No, this is March, the month of great winds,
so appropriately it is the one walking her dog
along a city sidewalk on a very blustery day.
One hand is busy keeping her hat down on her head
and the other is grasping the little dog's leash,
so of course there is no hand left to push down
her dress which is billowing up around her waist
exposing her long stockinged legs and yes the secret
apparatus of her garter belt. Needless to say,
in the confusion of wind and excited dog
the leash has wrapped itself around her ankles
several times giving her a rather bridled
and helpless appearance which is added to
by the impossibly high heels she is teetering on.
You would like to come to her rescue,
gather up the little dog in your arms,
untangle the leash, lead her to safety,
and receive her bottomless gratitude, but
the mechanic is calling you over to look
at something under your car. It seems that he has
run into a problem and the job is going
to cost more than he had said and take
much longer than he had thought.
Well, it can't be helped, you hear yourself say
as you return to your place by the workbench,
knowing that as soon as the hammering resumes
you will slowly lift the bottom of the calendar
just enough to reveal a glimpse of what
the future holds in store: ah,
the red polka dot umbrella of April and her
upturned palm extended coyly into the rain.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Masterful Poem: An Interpretation of Billy Collins' "Pinup"

Billy Collins is a modern day master of poetry, and his poem "Pinup" is a prime example of his skill. This poem is rich with meaning and symbolism, and it is to be savored and appreciated for its many layered complexities. In this 4000-word essay, we will explore the poem, decipher its meaning, and appreciate its beauty.

A Pinup in the Post Office

The poem begins with a simple scene: a pinup hanging in the post office. The pinup is a classic image of a woman, dressed provocatively and posed seductively. The speaker of the poem notes that the pinup is "the only example of art / in the entire building," and this observation sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

As we examine the pinup, we begin to see that it is more than just an image of a pretty woman. It is a symbol of something deeper, something hidden beneath the surface. The pinup is a representation of desire, of longing, of the things that we want but cannot have. It is a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world, and of the fact that we are all drawn to it, even if we cannot possess it.

The Nature of Desire

As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to explore the nature of desire. He notes that "we are all collectors of beautiful things," and that we are all drawn to the things that we find beautiful. This is a universal truth, and it is one that we can all relate to. We all have our own collections of beautiful things: paintings, photographs, books, and so on. These things bring us joy and pleasure, and they remind us of the beauty that exists in the world.

But the speaker also notes that desire is a dangerous thing. It can lead us down dark paths, and it can consume us if we are not careful. He observes that "there is always a risk to owning / a beautiful thing," and this is a warning that we should take seriously. The things that we desire can be dangerous, and we need to be aware of this if we are to avoid being consumed by our desires.

The Power of Imagery

One of the things that makes "Pinup" such a powerful poem is the use of imagery. The speaker describes the pinup in vivid detail, and this description creates a sense of intimacy between the reader and the subject of the poem. We can almost feel the texture of the paper, and we can almost smell the scent of the ink. This creates a powerful connection between the reader and the poem, and it draws us further into the world that Collins has created.

The description of the pinup is also rich with symbolism. The speaker notes that the woman in the image is "half hidden, half revealed," and this is a metaphor for desire itself. Desire is something that is always just out of reach, something that we can never fully possess. It is elusive and mysterious, and it is always just beyond our grasp. The fact that the woman in the pinup is "half hidden" is a reminder of this fact, and it adds to the power and depth of the poem.

The Beauty of Imperfection

Another theme that runs through "Pinup" is the beauty of imperfection. The speaker notes that the woman in the image is not perfect, that there are flaws in her appearance. But these flaws only add to her beauty, and they make her even more desirable. This is a powerful message, and it is one that we can all relate to. We are all imperfect, and we all have flaws. But these flaws are what make us unique, and they are what make us beautiful.

The Importance of Art

At its core, "Pinup" is a poem about the importance of art. The speaker notes that the pinup is "the only example of art / in the entire building," and this is a powerful statement. It reminds us that art is important, that it has the power to transform our lives and our world. Art is a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world, and it is a way for us to connect with that beauty.

In conclusion, "Pinup" is a masterful poem that explores the nature of desire, the power of imagery, the beauty of imperfection, and the importance of art. It is a poem that speaks to the human experience, and it is one that we can all relate to on some level. Billy Collins is a master of his craft, and "Pinup" is a prime example of his skill. It is a poem that deserves to be read and reread, savored and appreciated for its many layered complexities and its celebration of the beauty of life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Pinup: A Masterpiece by Billy Collins

Billy Collins, the former Poet Laureate of the United States, is known for his witty and accessible poetry that has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. One of his most famous works, Poetry Pinup, is a masterpiece that showcases his unique style and ability to connect with his audience.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a pinup calendar that he has hung on his wall. However, instead of featuring scantily clad women, the calendar is filled with poems that he has collected over the years. The speaker then goes on to describe the different poems that he has chosen for each month, highlighting their themes and imagery.

What makes Poetry Pinup so special is the way in which Collins uses the pinup calendar as a metaphor for the power of poetry. Just as a pinup calendar can provide a daily dose of beauty and inspiration, so too can poetry provide us with a sense of wonder and joy.

Throughout the poem, Collins emphasizes the importance of finding beauty in the everyday. He describes how even the most mundane objects, such as a pencil or a piece of paper, can become sources of inspiration when viewed through the lens of poetry. This message is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced world, where we often overlook the small moments of beauty that surround us.

Another key theme in Poetry Pinup is the idea of poetry as a form of escape. The speaker describes how he turns to poetry when he is feeling overwhelmed or stressed, using it as a way to transport himself to another world. This idea is particularly poignant in light of the current global pandemic, which has left many of us feeling trapped and isolated.

Collins also touches on the idea of poetry as a form of self-expression. He describes how each poem on his calendar represents a different aspect of his personality, allowing him to explore different emotions and experiences. This idea is particularly relevant in today's society, where many of us struggle to find our own voice in a world that often values conformity over individuality.

One of the most striking aspects of Poetry Pinup is the way in which Collins uses language to create vivid and memorable images. For example, he describes a poem about a bird as "a small, brown bird with a voice like a penny whistle." This description not only captures the essence of the poem but also creates a visual image that stays with the reader long after the poem has ended.

Overall, Poetry Pinup is a masterpiece of modern poetry that showcases Billy Collins' unique style and ability to connect with his audience. Through his use of metaphor, imagery, and language, Collins reminds us of the power of poetry to inspire, comfort, and transport us to another world. In a time when many of us are feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, Poetry Pinup is a reminder of the beauty and joy that can be found in the everyday.

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