- Billy Collins's father, William P. Collins, worked as an accountant, and his mother, Katherine Trefz Collins, was a homemaker.
- He grew up in Queens, New York, with two older sisters.
- His parents encouraged his love of literature and creativity, fostering his passion for poetry.
2. Education and Career:
- Collins graduated from Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens.
- He attended Holy Cross College in Massachusetts and graduated with a B.A. in English in 1969.
- He then obtained an M.A. in English from the University of California, Riverside, in 1971.
- Collins worked as a poet, publisher, and educator throughout his career.
3. Influences and Inspirations:
- Collins has cited poets like Philip Larkin, James Tate, and W.S. Merwin as significant influences.
- His poetry is often inspired by everyday life, observations, and personal experiences.
4. Poetic Style and Themes:
- Collins's poems often display a conversational tone and accessible language, making his work relatable to a wide audience.
- He frequently explores themes of memory, family, time, and the absurdity or humor in seemingly mundane situations.
5. Recognition and Awards:
- Collins's poetry has been praised for its clarity, wit, and ability to engage readers emotionally and intellectually.
- He has received numerous awards and accolades, including the National Book Award for Poetry in 1996 for his collection "Questions About Angels."
- He has also served as the Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003.
Overall, Billy Collins's life experiences, influences, and writing style have shaped his significant contributions to contemporary American poetry. He is known for his accessible, humorous, and reflective verse that resonates with a broad range of readers.