Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"On Turning Ten" is a poem by Billy Collins, first published in his collection "The Art of Drowning" in 1995. Collins is known for his accessible and often humorous style of poetry, and "On Turning Ten" is a poignant reflection on the transition from childhood to adolescence.

Explanation:

The poem begins with the speaker lamenting the loss of his childhood innocence and imagination as he turns ten. He describes how he used to be able to imagine himself as a knight or explorer, but now he is aware of his mortality and the limitations of the world around him. The speaker also reflects on how he has become more self-conscious and aware of how others perceive him.

As the poem progresses, the speaker acknowledges the inevitability of growing older and the changes that come with it. He contrasts the freedom and simplicity of childhood with the complexity and responsibility of adulthood, noting that he will never again experience the same sense of wonder and possibility that he had as a child.

Poetic Elements:

• Structure: The poem consists of three stanzas of varying lengths, with no consistent rhyme scheme.
• Imagery: The poem contains vivid descriptions of childhood activities and experiences, such as playing with toys and imagining oneself as a knight or explorer.
• Repetition: The phrase "I" or "I am" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's introspection and self-reflection.

Conclusion:

"On Turning Ten" is a bittersweet reflection on the passage of time and the loss of childhood innocence. Collins' use of vivid imagery and repetition helps to convey the speaker's feelings of nostalgia and regret, while the poem's structure reflects the speaker's shifting emotions as he comes to terms with the changes that come with growing older.

Poem Snippet:

But now when I fall upon the sidewalks of life,

I skin my knees. I bleed.

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