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Billy Collins: an American poet
"We seem to always know where we are in a Billy Collins poem, but not necessarily where he is going" Stephen Dunn

Billy Joe Collins was born in New York City in 1941. His father was an electrician and his mother was a nurse. He grew up in one of the most populated American cities to emerge as a artist with words. He went to school at College of the Holy Cross, but recieved his doctorates in English at the University of California. He has become an icon today in public imagination and has become one of America's most well known poets. He was named the 11th poet laureate in 2001, making him even more eminent. Resently his poems have been featured in Pushcart Prize anthology, and choosen several times Best American Poet Series
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= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == =Explication of "Don't Lose Faith"= = = = = = =

Billy Collin's poem,"[|Don't Lose Faith]," is a graphic, but inspiring poem that can be applied in many ways. "See they beat him so bad, you could not tell it was him. But he handled the pain so his blood could wash away our sins."(l 7-8) Using description to described how painful and awful this martyrization was, I think Collin's was trying to make the point that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for us as humanity. He made this sacrifice to "clear the slate" and give humans a chance of entering the kingdom of Heaven.

"Now I think of my troubles and they seem so small. For what Jesus went through, he did for us all."(l 13-14) Using first person Collin's makes his opinion known. This line is giving the reader the idea of what they should feel like too. When people look at their problems and think they have it tough, there was no greater suffering that what Jesus went through. He is telling us to remember that even though times may be bad, to keep hope because there are worst scenarios than you can think of, including the crucifixion of Jesus.

"Share with others all of the joy you have found. Always help your brothers when they are down."(l 17-18) These lines connect with each other in a very distinct way. By finding happiness you must spread it and help others who are in need. Joy could represent many other things too. It could not only represent happiness, but it could represent help, wealth, love, honesty and many other things. When Jesus gave his life to help us, it is the least we can do to spread his message.

= Poems by Billy Collins = [|God's Gift] [|Facing your Demons] [|Never Ending War]** =Sources= [|Poem Hunter.] 2008. December 8, 2008  [|Oregon University].2006. August 21, 2006 
 * [|//Brotherly Love//]