In a manner of speaking, he is. He's been US Poet Laureate, he's done some very important readings, like in remembrance of 9/11.
But that's a relative thing; with rare exception, poets don't get a lot of recognition here in the states, unless they are stars in another vocation (actor, musicians, etc.) Sad, because most "stars" aren't very compelling poets.
Hm, but I wonder if it would be good for a poet to get too much status? It might hinder their work ... I'm half joking - I love that most poets do it for its own sake.
4 comments:
Love it!
It's a lovely poem, isn't it?
So, this Billy Collins - is he a superstar poet in America?
In a manner of speaking, he is. He's been US Poet Laureate, he's done some very important readings, like in remembrance of 9/11.
But that's a relative thing; with rare exception, poets don't get a lot of recognition here in the states, unless they are stars in another vocation (actor, musicians, etc.) Sad, because most "stars" aren't very compelling poets.
Hm, but I wonder if it would be good for a poet to get too much status? It might hinder their work ... I'm half joking - I love that most poets do it for its own sake.
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