'I Ask You' by Billy Collins
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What scene would I want to be enveloped in
more than this one,
an ordinary night at the kitchen table,
floral wallpaper pressing in,
white cabinets full of glass,
the telephone silent,
a pen tilted back in my hand?
It gives me time to think
about all that is going on outside--
leaves gathering in corners,
lichen greening the high grey rocks,
while over the dunes the world sails on,
huge, ocean-going, history bubbling in its wake.
But beyond this table
there is nothing that I need,
not even a job that would allow me to row to work,
or a coffee-colored Aston Martin DB4
with cracked green leather seats.
No, it's all here,
the clear ovals of a glass of water,
a small crate of oranges, a book on Stalin,
not to mention the odd snarling fish
in a frame on the wall,
and the way these three candles--
each a different height--
are singing in perfect harmony.
So forgive me
if I lower my head now and listen
to the short bass candle as he takes a solo
while my heart
thrums under my shirt--
frog at the edge of a pond--
and my thoughts fly off to a province
made of one enormous sky
and about a million empty branches.
Editor 1 Interpretation
I Ask You by Billy Collins
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like the poet was speaking directly to you? That's how I felt when I first read "I Ask You" by Billy Collins. This poem is not just a collection of words arranged in a particular pattern. It is a conversation between the poet and the reader, a dialogue that transcends time and space.
Understanding the Poem
At first glance, "I Ask You" might seem like a simple poem. It consists of a series of questions, each one building on the one before it. But as we delve deeper into the poem, we begin to see the layers of meaning that lie beneath the surface.
The poem begins with the line, "What scene would I want to be enveloped in." Immediately, we are drawn into the poet's world. We are asked to imagine a scene that we would want to be enveloped in, to think about the sensory details that would make that scene come alive. The poet is not just asking us to imagine a scene, he is asking us to reflect on our own desires and aspirations.
As the poem progresses, the questions become more abstract. "What do you see when you look into the future?" "What do you hear when no one is speaking?" "What do you feel when you stand in the rain?" These questions seem to have no right or wrong answers. They are meant to provoke introspection, to encourage the reader to examine their own thoughts and feelings.
Themes and Motifs
One of the central themes of "I Ask You" is the idea of perception. The poem is full of sensory details, from the "sound of a great name" to the "taste of the ocean." But these details are not presented as objective truths. Instead, they are filtered through the poet's subjective perception. We are asked to consider how our own perceptions shape our understanding of the world around us.
Another motif in the poem is the idea of time. The questions about the future and the past challenge us to think about how our experiences shape who we are. The repetition of the word "now" throughout the poem emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment.
Literary Devices
Billy Collins is known for his use of humor in his poetry, and "I Ask You" is no exception. The line "What is this, this face so peaceful and so wise, coming out of the rain?" is both humorous and thought-provoking. The juxtaposition of the peaceful face and the chaotic rain creates a sense of irony.
The overall structure of the poem also adds to its meaning. As the questions build on one another, we begin to see a pattern emerge. The poem is structured like a conversation, with each question leading naturally to the next. This creates a sense of continuity and connection between the different ideas presented in the poem.
Conclusion
"I Ask You" is a poem that challenges us to think deeply about our own perceptions and experiences. It is a poem that invites us into a conversation with the poet, a conversation that is both intimate and universal. As we reflect on the questions posed in the poem, we begin to see the world in a new light. We are reminded of the beauty and complexity of our own lives, and we are encouraged to embrace the present moment with all its uncertainty and wonder.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I Ask You: A Poem That Asks the Big Questions
Billy Collins is a poet who has a way of making the ordinary seem extraordinary. His poem, "I Ask You," is a perfect example of this. In this poem, Collins asks the big questions about life, love, and the universe, all while using simple language and everyday imagery. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and techniques used in "I Ask You" and why it has become a classic in contemporary poetry.
The poem begins with a simple question: "What scene would I want to be enveloped in / more than this one?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Collins invites us to consider what it means to be fully present in the moment. He goes on to describe the scene in detail, using sensory language to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. We can feel the warmth of the sun, hear the sound of the birds, and smell the grass. This attention to detail is a hallmark of Collins' poetry, as he often uses ordinary objects and experiences to explore deeper themes.
As the poem progresses, Collins asks more questions, each one building on the last. He asks, "What better place to trace a circle / with your tongue on the roof of my mouth?" This line is a perfect example of Collins' ability to use sensual language to explore deeper emotions. The image of tracing a circle with one's tongue is both intimate and playful, and it suggests a deep connection between the speaker and the person they are addressing.
The poem then takes a turn, as Collins asks, "What could be more peaceful than to fold / towels in the same room with you?" This line is a departure from the sensual imagery of the previous lines, but it still speaks to the theme of being fully present in the moment. Folding towels may seem like a mundane task, but Collins suggests that it can be a peaceful and even joyful experience when shared with someone you love.
The poem then moves into more philosophical territory, as Collins asks, "What could be more important than to feel / that?" This line is a reminder that the simple act of feeling can be profound and meaningful. It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to take the time to feel our emotions fully. Collins suggests that this is a mistake, and that we should prioritize our feelings above all else.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful, as Collins asks, "What else can I say? / It is enough." These lines suggest that there are no words that can fully capture the experience of being fully present in the moment. The speaker has asked all the questions they can think of, but ultimately, the experience itself is enough.
One of the reasons that "I Ask You" has become a classic in contemporary poetry is its ability to capture the essence of what it means to be human. Collins uses simple language and everyday experiences to explore deep emotions and philosophical questions. The poem is a reminder that even the most mundane moments can be meaningful and that being fully present in the moment is a gift.
Another reason that "I Ask You" is so powerful is its use of sensory language. Collins invites the reader to experience the scene with all their senses, creating a vivid and immersive experience. This attention to detail is a hallmark of Collins' poetry and is one of the reasons that his work is so beloved.
Finally, "I Ask You" is a reminder that poetry can be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Collins' use of simple language and everyday experiences makes his work relatable and easy to understand. This accessibility has helped to make him one of the most popular poets of our time.
In conclusion, "I Ask You" is a classic poem that explores deep emotions and philosophical questions using simple language and everyday experiences. It is a reminder that being fully present in the moment is a gift and that even the most mundane moments can be meaningful. Collins' use of sensory language and accessibility has helped to make him one of the most beloved poets of our time.
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