(22 March 1941 - / New York City)

poet Billy Collins
#30 on top 500 poets
What do you think this poem is about?

Embrace

You know the parlor trick.
wrap your arms around your own body
and from the back it looks like
someone is embracing you
her hands grasping your shirt
her fingernails teasing your neck
from the front it is another story
you never looked so alone
your crossed elbows and screwy grin
you could be waiting for a tailor
to fit you with a straight jacket
one that would hold you really tight.

Submitted: Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Edited: Friday, January 14, 2011

Comments about this poem (Embrace by Billy Collins )

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  • Shirley Hanley (10/22/2009 10:00:00 PM)

    Whenever I feel
    the blanket of
    my depression
    falling in on me
    I read a little Billy Collins

    I can always count
    on him to make me smile.

    I feel better now that I've had my Billy Collins fix!

    4 person liked.
    		2 person did not like.
  • Michael Elkin (11/17/2008 8:53:00 PM)

    I've had to let
    my straight jacket out
    a lttle

    3 person liked.
    		3 person did not like.
  • Tired of Being Exploited (5/25/2007 12:56:00 PM)

    It's older work and certainly more jovial.
    I really enjoy the 'two sides of the coin' motif.
    Especially coming around to the strait jacket...

    5 person liked.
    		1 person did not like.
  • Raymond Bennett (2/24/2007 10:28:00 AM)

    so is this Billy Collins or is it not?

    5 person liked.
    		1 person did not like.
  • Anna Russell (2/13/2007 5:02:00 PM)

    Such a touching piece - displays all the talent of your namesake.
    Hugs
    Anna xxx

    4 person liked.
    		2 person did not like.
  • Not a member No 4 (2/13/2007 4:58:00 PM)

    This reads and feels like the real Billy Collins! ! ? ? Deadly accurate and very funny. How can that much loneliness be funny? What is wrong with me?

    3 person liked.
    		1 person did not like.
  • Francesca Johnson (2/13/2007 4:16:00 PM)

    Quirky little piece. Original and fun to read.

    Love, Fran xx

    4 person liked.
    		2 person did not like.
Read all 7 comments »

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