This article is part of a continuing series on poetry to commemorate National Poetry Month.
Let me introduce you to another of my favorite poems:
In 2003, September 6th, in front of a special session of Congress, the US Poet Laureate, Billy Collins, stood in front of the assemly and delivered his dedication to those who lost their lives at ground zero in New York City.
It was a poem titled "The Names," Collins captures the sense of loss resulting from 9/11. What I most admire about the poem is the manner in which it is written. He treats his subject matter with care and a sense of reality--the names come alive to us because he ties them into things we touch or see everyday. Moreover, I appreciate the fact that he does concentrate on the lost souls; there is no touch of anger or retribution (or the like) as some of the poems I've heard being read on radio shows and observances. I think this portrays a great respect on Collins behalf and towards those who lost their lives and the many souls forever changed by the tragedy. Collins has created a timeless, beautiful piece of poetry.
Read Billy Collins poem, "The Names," here.
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