Billy Collins - Litany

[youthank8]

such a great poet. one of my biggest inspirations.

[AccioNerdfighter]

He is a genius

[bitulok3131]

Your good at the poem

[bulgarianmimi]

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE 

[PicturePerfectJames]

Blly Collins is a national treasure....he's got some great material on Praire Home Companion.....Love "Marco Polo"

[kerron68]

didnt get it.

[macnolds]

@kerron68 as collins states in his pre-amble here, he's taking a jab at a very old and well-known form of poetry where the author compares his lover to various images in nature in order to flatter her. the title of the piece, "litany," suggests such poems are boring, tedious lists like those in church processes. so he makes fun of this by choosing strange, unromantic images to compare his lover to. he embellishes himself and remarks on how absurd it is to compare his lover to prettier things.

[kerron68]

@macnolds thanks man! i'm not good with these things....

[audball911]

Actually, seeing the humor kinda ruined the poem for me. Before, I was enchanted by the romance in it (it's there, even if in jest). Now it's just a big joke. :(

[eyewould]

@audball911 I agree. I don't know why people are laughing. Why are people laughing? Why aren't you on your knees crying at the beauty of these words?

You are so much to me but you are not everything. You are so many things in my life.

These aren't lines of jokes. These are declarations. This is honesty, humility and undistilled love.

[CrawdaddyJoe]

@eyewould Um.... this is a humorous poem, man. It's a parody of that style of poetry. He breaks the usual tradition and starts playing with it. 'There is no way you are the pine scented air'. He goes into absurd imagery, like parrots on generals' heads, and stuff that completely breaks the standard cliches of the style, like 'boots in the corner'. He goes into self-parody and absurdity, 'I am the sound of rain on the roof'. It's a parody.

[snavedizzle]

@eyewould I'm pretty sure that I'm justified in saying that you, my friend, are completely and utterly wrong.

[bryanandkatfeb3]

hahahhahahah this is just to halirous!!!!! hhahahahahahahahhahahahahahaah­ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah­ahahahah too funny!!!!! im so glad im getting write about this in my lit class hahahahahahahahahahhaha wait.... so more hahahahahahahahaahahhahaha

[celticbattleaxe]

I've heard Billy Collins at the Dodge Poetry Festival 2010!!!! HE ROCKS!!!!!

[javagal65]

His hair over his left ear, makes me laugh!

[roxanneivey]

Thank you so much for posting this! I saw Collins in KC during his reign as poet laureate, and have never laughed so much in my life : ) Now I can share this with friends who weren't as fortunate...

[llamala2010]

Good stand up comedy, clever satire of bad poetry - but I wouldn't call it great poetry by any means.

[tattoofthesun]

@llamala2010 agreed on each point, especially the last; most importantly the last.

[tompouceful]

@llamala2010 You're so right. It's not great. It's to tiny to be great. It's so tiny in it's tinyness, that it becomes bad, it's no poetry at all, it's bad to be great, it's great and to tiny by any means, in fact it's not there but inside the clever satire, but than bad, thank you for the intellectual wake up call. In nearly make the mistake to find it beautiful.

[Avesetsuna]

See, the written poem alone is just so beautiful, and has such expressive and well thought-out imagery. It's almost sappy! But then I watched this... and realized how hilarious it is. I'm embarrassed I only ever looked at it one way xD What a stitch. 

[catchaotica]

He can rewrite any of my poems anytime.

[1215marmartinez]

this guy's great!!!

[random44]

Hilarious!

[Dundlele]

Smugness alert!

[AbeChang2]

Hilarious

[jennifermdick]

Billy Collins is so brilliant. Funny, tragic, ordinary moments--it's what makes his poetry great.

[USERNAMEDSOBER]

SYLVIA PLATH--- POPPIES IN OCTOBER AND THE FILM----- AMERICAN BEAUTY ARE SOME OF THE THEFTS

[teegi45]

My new favorite poet!

[Frues]

that is a perfect way to show people that love poetry involving comparison is absolutely overdone

[Squeege85]

Billy Collins is one of my favorite poets.

[saucedo123172]

I dont c whats so funny

[WyattsFreakinChannel]

@saucedo123172 At the start of the poem the author (not Billy Collins, but the persona the author takes on) is wooing this women, Litany. He's says, "You are the bread and knife..." so on and so forth. He uses this beautiful imagery to describe her, and then toward the second or third stanza (section) he says, "But you are not the pint scented air. ... There is no way your the pint scented air." Which is the same as saying, you're beautiful, but not THAT beautiful. Then he goes on to.... (1/2)

[WyattsFreakinChannel]

@saucedo123172 (2/2) ...say that 'I am that beautiful'. For example, "That I am the sound of rain in the roof."



[lbr808]

@saucedo123172 Were you paying attention?

[Fencie87]

I have been SEARCHING for the original Jacques Crickillon poem that reads, "You are the bread and the knife," presumably in French as he was a Belgian poet. Does anyone have any clues to where I can find this?

[BUKCOLLECTOR]

I llove your rendition, but I'm sorry Billy to inform you that the 3 year old's YouTube performance of this poem was slightly better.

[boomlovah]

this is great!!!

[boomlovah]

this is great!!!

[baalynduh]

It's funny, i've read this poem a million times but i never saw the humor in it until I listened to him reading it. :D

[jthmguitarist]

@baalynduh probably because nobody around you was laughing when you read it

[SwordsDragonsAndCoke]

@baalynduh so it takes people laughing at it for you to realize its sarcastic?

[sunriseinside]

Fantastic, loved the explanation before the poem besides the poem itself!

[themdg]

An excellent poem. The word "somehow" makes the whole thing, for me. 

[uberbowser]

Hahaha.......?

[luv2Bmuvd07]

I must say my 3 yr old nephew recites The Litany with way more intensity & expression than Billy Collins!!!

[hswatnik]

slick as the top of his sconce-

[IrvingBabe]

You saw me post the 3 year old saying this poem. Here is the original author saying it. Fascinating how differently they are read.

[DirtyDerr1ck]

it bothers me so much that i cant interpret poetry, i feel like im left out of an inside joke

[PointlessVidsInc]

the 3 year old says it better

[frankjuuh]

@PointlessVidsInc Tosser.

[frankjuuh]

@PointlessVidsInc Tosser.

[ptercottontail]

@PointlessVidsInc the 3 year old legitimately reads it so incredibly

[eatsleepmusic]

It's funny, I never imagined it evoking this kind of laughter (and I still don't think it's laugh our loud funny now). I sort of always thought of it as a quiet, smirking kind of humor... I guess it all depends on how you internalize it.

[OntoitinThere]

The meaning of this poem to me is rather deep and yet simple at the same time.

No matter how one cuts it up and serves it (religion), Jesus will always be the bread and the wine – yes,he is the wine – how lucky is that! Jesus is not and never will be the pine scented air (modern Christmas with all of its fixings). Imagery can stick but generally means something different to everyone with the exception of a few classic examples. God is whatever we perceive him or her and even it to be.

[JerBushell89]

@OntoitinThere you may read too far into things. Billy Collins writes ironic and dry humorous tones into his works. Not too sure if he was actually referencing, no matter how losely, religion.

[OntoitinThere]

@JerBushell89 If you interpret my interpretation of the way I interpreted his poem, I believe you will find humor there as well! Life is a poem.

It would be interesting to know what Billy Collins thought about this...perhaps he will have the last laugh!

[quintopia]

@OntoitinThere Thanks for this interpretation. I nearly shat myself picturing Jesus making a little pigeon-poo on the general's head!

[OntoitinThere]

@quintopia You are welcome! Definitely there is humor in this poem no matter how one wants to interpret it.

[jgonnerman85]

My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun.

[SherriSLC]

I am the lanyard and the half-eaten biscuit.

[thecoolstuff99]

"I am the sound of rain on the roof" what does that mean?

[JerBushell89]

@thecoolstuff99 they are all references to things that make you feel at home or at peace. Stereotypical ones at least, for some people, including myself, i can sit and listen to rain patter on the roof for hours.

[slutloverjulia]

Sorry, I like the was the 3 year old boy does this more.

[TheVampirefreak215]

3 yr old knows this poem at heart

[Arcangelo]

Difference between a WRITER and a performer.

[JerBushell89]

@Arcangelo that was how he wanted it read. dryly.... dryly and slowly

[MinziTolero1]

lol

[davidvcar]

Interesting Mr. Collins talks about about his improving upon someone's original poem. This is because a three-year boy greatly improved upon his performance. See "3-year-old recites poem, "Litany" by Billy Collins"

[napalmnacey]

@davidvcar Well, the three year old boy does an earnest, straightforward reading. Mr. Collins reads it in his original intention - sardonically and dryly. It gives the poem an entirely different feeling. It becomes absolutely hilarious. That was the point. The kid, he's friggin' talented. But Mr. Collins knows what his poem is about, and reads it that way.

[loosesalute71]

Wow is this rotten. When will this formula die. Hopefully with the pun loving audience that laughs without listening.

[recklessragdoll]

@loosesalute71 You need to look up the word 'pun'. 

[loosesalute71]

@recklessragdoll The word pun can be used for any simple play on words. My comment was directed to the audience who seem to laugh on cue with the tone of the poets voice rather than what the poet is saying. That's all. If you want to get picky about it, you should have used double quotes around pun not single. I think we both have better things to do with our time then be cybersnotty.

[CaptainLights]

I don't get it. Can somebody explain? Please forgive my poetic ignorance!

[MisterTownsend]

@CaptainLights just absorb it.

[MisterTownsend]

@CaptainLights but its kinda satirical about love and relationships and whatnont

[ChefTillDeath]

I love this.

[DrByte234]

Oh my, I am the bread and the knife too !! Now I don't feel special at all.

[wit21wit21]

Nice, wise introduction, talkative speach- slightly too long, Anyway he is a witty man, well not much admired by video camera -never mind, forget it, fortunately the poet was reading a very cleverly written, nifty poem.

I enjoyed it, thanks a lot !

[tonydanteye]

oh my god i can't believe all this great material is on youtube! hail the freedom of expression made more free by this form of communication.

[palehousepress]

we found a reincarnation - pale house

[Glhrd]

I love this man. End.

[gwalsingh]

Absolutley brilliant

[TheFartoholic]

Poem starts at 4:09!

[MyLatestEscape]

Ah, I loved this poem forever, hearing it spoken by BC just made my year.

[BklynBookGirl]

Thanks to whoever posted this. Here's to Billy Collins; long may his poems reign over the kingdom of restless souls eager for some wit and wonder in their lives. Right now, I'm off to steal some of his opening lines.

[burk415]

Geat video by the way.

[burk415]

I can already tell that I don't like chopin. You talk about great poets and claim to be a poet yourself. If this is true, wouldn't you know that any person in the arts looks down upon critics?

I can look at a piece of art and call it stupid but in reality what does my opinion mean to the person who is deeply inspired by the same piece of art. It means nothing.

Don't put people down for liking someone or something you don't agree with. It just makes you look infantile.

[nacho862]

@burk415

[sixthsonofsevensins]

@burk415 I completely agreed with what you said and yet, I must point out

"Don't put people down for liking(or dislikeing) someone or something you(like or) don't agree with. It just makes you look infantile. "

Sorry but for every truth we speak we too let slip a lie.

[burk415]

My response was in good taste.... Not really sure what you are getting at but I would love to find one other person with your opinion.

[sixthsonofsevensins]

Wow did that hurt you a little. I was trying to be nice, but what I was pointing out was the fact that with a small bit of sarcasm, you were criticizing some one for criticism. Yeah I'm sorry I don't need people to agree with me to have my opinion, it's sad you do. I dont find much use for critics but at the same time to say this is what it means to be a poet or any type of artist, is a bit hypocritical.

[youcantbreakdance]

lmaoooo too good

[chopin65]

He looks like Mr. Magoo in his last hair days.

[IntrepidStranger]

He may be the most cynical and cranky old man I have ever met, but his poetry sure is something else.

[chopin65]

I don't think poets should be so successful in life.

[IntrepidStranger]

I wish I could be so successful, but then I am a poet. It just bugs me that I'm not the successful one.

[chopin65]

Success at what? Readings? The general public? Money? Women? Or success at writing poetry. Which shall it be?

[snowboardnguy90]

it's funny because most poets are never successful in life, if you mean by methods of money or fame.

[zeignein]

HEY FUCK YOU

[chopin65]

Meh...your not my type.

[chopin65]

For all of those who gave me a thumbs down I wish to thank them. Baaah! Good work little sheep! I am a poet myself, and my statement was only a joke. Here is a suggestion to all of you Collins nuts out there. Take your favorite copy of Collins dredge and shove it a pile of refuse and let it sit for a few months. Then get back to me and tell me if your life has gotten worse by the loss. He is one of the most overrated American poets today.

[mdodson90]

You're very cynical, and cantankerous, much like Billy Collins. You're just not funny, or original, or popular, like Billy Collins. Here's what I'll do: Take your favorite copy of your work out of a pile of refuse, and let you know how much worse my life has gotten.

[chopin65]

And here we have yet another example of trolling. Ask most serious poets and you will discover that he is not considered one of the best of American poets. He is certainly successful. I have no argument with success. Success and original do not mean the same thing. He writes in a very prosaic style and seems to be more concerned with pleasing an audience than writing great poetry. I think he is good poet, but not a great one. It is funny that so many rave about him.

[domclarke92]

the most important part of poetry is connecting with your reader, how can poetry be great if it is not enjoyed, liked or has any impact on you? The fact that Collins is concerned with his audience is one of the very reasons he is so successful. You cannot deny that, as a poet yourself.

[chopin65]

@domclarke92 Thanks! Finally someone argues with their brains and not their heart. Yes. I agree that the reader is vital to the relationship. But readers should read and critique on their own, and not simply take someone as important because he was named Poet Laureate or won this or that prize. I will give him credit for advancing the cause of poetry. Anyone who can get people to read should be thanked.

[journeymanjim]

Very good poet, he's one of my favourites.

[kiddeongoober]

very cute and funny

[Nani101]

ROFL.

[chopin65]

And my sides are hurting too. ; )

[gsread]

can someone please explain the humor in this poem. I would really like to know.

[ImTestingSleeping]

He's poking fun at how amateur poet's often use metaphors that make no sense. He came across a cliche'd love poem and used its ridiculous first line as the beginning of a parody.

[gsread]

I see. It makes alot more sense now. Thanks.

[dszgildfhs]

If you don't get it, I am not sure it's palpable.

[espguitarguy]

FAIL.

[hardstreetbambi]

wow. wow.

[lukaki26]

And we say Americans can't do dry humour. How wrong we are.

[theschizoidman]

@lukaki26 That's because all other nationals see is American TV and movies and not actually know Americans. Most of my friends are all dry. ;)

[marsinpisces]

@lukaki26  It's irish humor.

[sunshiney99]

Interesting. I'd always read and heard this poem in my head quite seriously, without the laughter and comical nature present in this video.

[thesepipesRclean]

What a tremendous poet he is . I also love the lanyard .

[dws551]

Curious how the word litany has moved in meaning from a prayer of supplication to a comical list. So the English language moves on....

[Goeroe15]

Kevin Spacey!!

[PleiadesSeven]

LOL!

[aqariumperson]

Poem starts at 1:54!

[RockDrummer72]

Thank you! Saved a minute and fourty five seconds for me :)

[chopin65]

I know. It's a problem if you require that much set up.

[Parthianking]

@aqariumperson: Thanks, but I love the intro! It not only brings light to the poem itself, but also reveals the mind of a man stunningly gifted in language. Collins' constant "ums" come not from a lack of eloquence, but from precisely the opposite. His performance is a perfect example of what happens when a linguistic prodigy speaks off the cuff--a sort of logjam of concepts and expressions, with every phrase being a kind of truce within a mind nearly tortured by its own brilliance.

[stalemate1]

i love his voice, sounds like Nicolas Cage

[guardianfrogz]

omfg my name is billy collins but my middle name is michael

[buzbyX]

ok.....yes, and...?

[joycanyon]

I can't stand little Billy Collins, utterly unworthy of the stautus assigned him

[emmaknightley]

This guy kinda reminds me of Ben from "Lost" for some reason.

[ryantk520]

Yes!! ur totally right lololol

[SkillCapeProductions]

What is the style of poetry he first mentions called?

[nofalltoofar]

Keep on calling out the pseudo artists! Poetry needs some serious repair before the public can take it seriously again.

This is the first step in an internal witch hunt that will rid the literary world forever of fakers and phonies.

[b88104044]

gotta love him...

[chopin65]

No I don't!

[no2mor0]

Love his work

But his voice is kinda tedious lol

[XrandomsoliloquyX]

That's the point.

[browneyedbecca]

haha nice.

[nbomb3]

This is wonderful!

Hilarious!

Thanks for sharing this!

Peace,

Nate

[Freeasabird17]

Billy seems to proclaim: "I too dislike it" with every poem he writes. Love his cognitive dissonance(SP?)and his poetry.

[saaalllly]

I've always loved his poems, and they are much more amusing when he reads them himself. Great video!

[surtursfire]

This is hilarious.

[gte836j]

Fantastic! I love how he uses an old idea and gives it a snarky twist.

[Bentleymon]

Billy Collins is a national treasure--I know because I am a national treasure, too.

He is, however, the unique-to-him sound of one hand slapping some sense into the world.

You go, Billy!

Roy