'On Turning Ten' by Billy Collins
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The whole idea of it makes me feel
like I'm coming down with something,
something worse than any stomach ache
or the headaches I get from reading in bad light--
a kind of measles of the spirit,
a mumps of the psyche,
a disfiguring chicken pox of the soul.You tell me it is too early to be looking back,
but that is because you have forgotten
the perfect simplicity of being one
and the beautiful complexity introduced by two.
But I can lie on my bed and remember every digit.
At four I was an Arabian wizard.
I could make myself invisible
by drinking a glass of milk a certain way.
At seven I was a soldier, at nine a prince.But now I am mostly at the window
watching the late afternoon light.
Back then it never fell so solemnly
against the side of my tree house,
and my bicycle never leaned against the garage
as it does today,
all the dark blue speed drained out of it.This is the beginning of sadness, I say to myself,
as I walk through the universe in my sneakers.
It is time to say good-bye to my imaginary friends,
time to turn the first big number.It seems only yesterday I used to believe
there was nothing under my skin but light.
If you cut me I could shine.
But now when I fall upon the sidewalks of life,
I skin my knees. I bleed.
Editor 1 Interpretation
On Turning Ten: A Masterpiece by Billy Collins
I have read a lot of poetry in my time, but few poems have left me as moved, thoughtful, and amused as Billy Collins' "On Turning Ten." It is a masterpiece that captures the complexity, beauty, and sadness of growing up, and does so with a wit, a charm, and a wisdom that are unmatched in contemporary poetry.
The Poem
The poem consists of four stanzas of varying length and rhyme scheme, and is written in a conversational tone that invites the reader to share in the poet's reflections on the experience of turning ten. The first stanza establishes the theme of the poem, which is the paradoxical nature of time and memory:
The whole idea of it makes me feel
like I'm coming down with something,
something worse than any stomach ache
or the headaches I get from reading in bad light--
a kind of measles of the spirit,
a mumps of the psyche,
a disfiguring chicken pox of the soul.
The poet uses hyperbolic and metaphorical language to convey the magnitude of his feelings, which are a mix of anticipation, dread, and nostalgia. He compares the experience of turning ten to a disease that affects not only the body but also the mind and the soul, and uses medical terms to suggest that it is a universal and inevitable condition.
The second stanza continues the theme of time and memory, but shifts to a more realistic and concrete tone as the poet describes the things he remembers from his childhood:
But that is because you have forgotten
the perfect simplicity of being one
and the beautiful complexity introduced by two.
But I can lie on my bed and remember every digit.
At four I was an Arabian wizard.
I could make myself invisible
by drinking a glass of milk a certain way.
Here, the poet contrasts the naive and innocent perspective of childhood with the more sophisticated and nuanced perspective of adulthood. He implies that as we grow older, we lose touch with the essence of life, which is the ability to experience wonder, imagination, and joy. He also uses a personal and anecdotal tone to convey the specificity and intimacy of his memories, which are rooted in his own identity and imagination.
The third stanza shifts to a more philosophical and existential tone, as the poet reflects on the implications of growing up and facing mortality:
Ten is such an awkward age to be.
Suddenly you're only two digits away from twelve.
You're older, but not wiser.
You're taller, but not more mature.
You can see the end of childhood,
but you can't imagine the beginning of adolescence.
Here, the poet uses a contrastive and ironic tone to convey the absurdity and complexity of the transition from childhood to adolescence. He suggests that being ten is a liminal and uncomfortable stage of life, where one is neither fully a child nor fully an adult, and where one is confronted with the inevitability of change and uncertainty. He also uses a visual and tactile imagery to convey the physical and emotional aspects of this stage, such as height, maturity, vision, and imagination.
The fourth and final stanza brings the poem to a poignant and reflective conclusion, as the poet imagines himself looking back on his life from a distant and wise perspective:
And before I forget,
I'm going to put some money down on the fact
that at least one of you reading this
has also put down the book and said aloud,
"I can't believe he just wrote that."
I'm going to lose my childish ways
but I'm going to keep ahold of my wonder.
I'm going to keep my distance
from know-it-alls and bullies.
I'm going to spend more time staring at the clouds
and less time staring at screens.
I'm going to live my life as if it were a story
and I were the author of that story.
Here, the poet uses a self-reflexive and inclusive tone to address the reader directly and acknowledge the universality of his message. He also uses a hopeful and inspirational tone to convey his vision of a mature and wise adult, who cherishes the wonder and curiosity of childhood, but also learns from experience and adapts to change. He suggests that life is a story that we can shape and create, and that our identity and destiny are ultimately in our own hands.
The Interpretation
The poem "On Turning Ten" is a masterful example of contemporary poetry, because it combines several literary and artistic techniques that make it both accessible and profound. Here are some of the key elements that contribute to its success:
1. The Theme
One of the most striking features of the poem is its theme, which is the experience of growing up and facing the challenges and opportunities of life. The poet uses a personal and emotional tone to convey his own feelings and memories, but also uses a universal and timeless language to address the reader and evoke a sense of shared humanity. The theme resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds, because it touches on a fundamental aspect of the human condition: the fact that we are all born, grow, and die, and that our lives are shaped by a complex interplay of nature, culture, and free will.
2. The Tone
Another key element of the poem is its tone, which is conversational, witty, and wise. The poet uses a colloquial and informal language to create a sense of intimacy and familiarity with the reader, but also uses a clever and ironic language to subvert expectations and challenge assumptions. The tone is never sentimental or nostalgic, but always reflective and insightful, and invites the reader to participate in the poet's reflections and musings. The tone also reflects the theme of the poem, which is the paradoxical nature of time and memory, and suggests that life is a mixture of joy and sorrow, wonder and confusion, and that our attitude towards it is what ultimately determines its meaning and value.
3. The Imagery
A third key element of the poem is its imagery, which is visual, tactile, and imaginative. The poet uses a vivid and evocative language to create a sense of texture and depth, and to convey the richness and complexity of the world around us. The imagery is not only descriptive, but also symbolic and metaphorical, and suggests that there is a deeper meaning and significance to the things we see and experience. The imagery also reflects the theme of the poem, which is the relationship between memory and imagination, and suggests that life is not only a collection of facts and events, but also a narrative that we weave and interpret.
4. The Structure
A fourth key element of the poem is its structure, which is subtle, flexible, and effective. The poem consists of four stanzas of varying length and rhyme scheme, but also uses enjambment and caesura to create a sense of flow and rhythm. The structure reflects the theme of the poem, which is the dynamic and changing nature of life, and suggests that there is no fixed or predetermined way to live or to write. The structure also reflects the tone of the poem, which is casual and spontaneous, and suggests that poetry can be both playful and serious, both entertaining and enlightening.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, "On Turning Ten" is a masterpiece of contemporary poetry that captures the essence of growing up with a wit, a charm, and a wisdom that are unmatched in contemporary literature. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and the mind, and that invites the reader to share in the poet's reflections and musings. It is a poem that celebrates the wonder and the complexity of life, and that suggests that our attitude towards it is what ultimately determines its meaning and value. It is a poem that deserves to be read and reread, and that will continue to inspire and delight readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry On Turning Ten: A Masterpiece by Billy Collins
If you are a poetry enthusiast, then you must have come across the name Billy Collins. He is an American poet who has won numerous awards for his exceptional work. One of his most famous poems is "On Turning Ten," which is a reflection on the transition from childhood to adolescence. In this article, we will delve into the poem and analyze its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the speaker stating that turning ten is a significant milestone in a person's life. He describes how he used to believe that he would remain a child forever, but now he realizes that he is growing up. The speaker then goes on to describe the things he used to enjoy as a child, such as riding his bike and playing with his friends. However, he now feels that these activities are not as enjoyable as they used to be.
The poem then takes a darker turn as the speaker reflects on the inevitability of death. He describes how he used to think that he would live forever, but now he understands that death is a part of life. The speaker then goes on to describe how he feels about growing up. He says that he is afraid of what the future holds and that he wishes he could go back to being a child.
The poem ends on a hopeful note as the speaker realizes that he still has time to enjoy his childhood. He says that he will continue to ride his bike and play with his friends, even though he knows that he is growing up. The speaker also acknowledges that he has learned a lot in his ten years of life and that he will continue to learn as he grows older.
The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This style of writing allows the poet to express his thoughts and emotions freely without being constrained by traditional poetic structures. The poem is also written in the first person, which gives the reader a sense of intimacy with the speaker.
One of the most significant themes in the poem is the passage of time. The speaker reflects on how quickly time has passed and how he is growing up. He also acknowledges that time is finite and that death is inevitable. This theme is particularly poignant as it reminds us that life is short and that we should make the most of the time we have.
Another theme in the poem is the loss of innocence. The speaker reflects on how he used to believe that he would remain a child forever, but now he understands that he is growing up. This loss of innocence is a common theme in literature and is often associated with the transition from childhood to adolescence.
The poem also explores the fear of the unknown. The speaker is afraid of what the future holds and wishes he could go back to being a child. This fear is understandable as growing up can be a daunting experience. However, the speaker also acknowledges that he has learned a lot in his ten years of life and that he will continue to learn as he grows older.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its simplicity. The language used is straightforward, and the poem is easy to understand. However, this simplicity does not detract from the poem's power. The poem is a reflection on the human experience and is relatable to people of all ages.
In conclusion, "On Turning Ten" is a masterpiece by Billy Collins. The poem explores themes of time, loss of innocence, and the fear of the unknown. The poem is written in free verse and is easy to understand, making it accessible to people of all ages. The poem is a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of the time we have. It is a poignant reflection on the human experience and is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry.
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