Billy Collins: Everyday moments, caught in time

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  • Опубліковано 22 бер 2012
  • www.ted.com Combining dry wit with artistic depth, Billy Collins shares a project in which several of his poems were turned into delightful animated films in a collaboration with Sundance Channel. Five of them are included in this wonderfully entertaining and moving talk -- and don't miss the hilarious final poem!
    Credits for the animations in this talk:
    "Budapest," "Forgetfulness" and "Some Days" -- animation by Julian Grey/Head Gear
    "The Country" -- animation by Brady Baltezor/Radium
    "The Dead" -- animation by Juan Delcan/Spontaneous
    More at: www.bcactionpoet.org
    TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Featured speakers have included Al Gore on climate change, Philippe Starck on design, Jill Bolte Taylor on observing her own stroke, Nicholas Negroponte on One Laptop per Child, Jane Goodall on chimpanzees, Bill Gates on malaria and mosquitoes, Pattie Maes on the "Sixth Sense" wearable tech, and "Lost" producer JJ Abrams on the allure of mystery. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at www.ted.com/translate
    If you have questions or comments about this or other TED videos, please go to support.ted.com
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 163

  • @Caneel2
    @Caneel2 8 років тому +124

    Upon reading the comments, I am reminded of another Billy Collins' poem:
    I ask them to take a poem
    and hold it up to the light
    like a color slide
    or press an ear against its hive.
    I say drop a mouse into a poem
    and watch him probe his way out,
    or walk inside the poem's room
    and feel the walls for a light switch.
    I want them to waterski
    across the surface of a poem
    waving at the author's name on the shore.
    But all they want to do
    is tie the poem to a chair with rope
    and torture a confession out of it.
    They begin beating it with a hose
    to find out what it really means.

    • @Alkamm
      @Alkamm 6 років тому +9

      I give this introduction to poetry to my classes to let them know we're not looking for "the meaning" but to walk along in the poem's footsteps, smell it, feel it, and realize it's the images that come to you during the poem as much as the words that inspire the images. They are relieved, mostly, but sometimes need reminders when they can't figure out "the meaning."

    • @nickandmikec
      @nickandmikec 5 років тому +3

      A COOL PLACE
       
      I go out in the morning and rub my eyes.
      Who knows what to tell the day?
      Some know what to order immediately,
      they recognize each other, what is to sell.
      I walk under the peach sky on Aura Street
      and my thoughts stick from leaf to post
      in happy webs. For those who are like me
      it’s clear the bells have outrung themselves.
      For a while there’s room in the city.
       
       
      Who knows the nature of this pleasure must know me.
      A corner of being neither fence nor tree nor peach sky.
      My young children know it every day
      but it’s hard being older to keep from holding
      all of everything in a blind embrace.
      I want to hold a single thing.
      It’s time to enter a cool place where only a piece
      exists, a beer, a chair,
      the intimate hands of one person dangerously one person.
      To ask, will you sit near me? To say, you’re not everyone.

    • @user-dr6rt1ji3l
      @user-dr6rt1ji3l 4 роки тому

      Al Kammerer I felt so lucky that I only listened to (as I was on my way to sleep) and didn’t view this. I really love what you say, and there lies some proof of it...I had immense enjoyment from just conjuring images listening to his sublime stories. Wonderful animation, though.

  • @TheBlackmentos94
    @TheBlackmentos94 12 років тому +30

    One of my favorite poets ever. The simpleness of his work is just beautiful, reflecting reality in such a fun and care free way.

  • @alwaysuseless
    @alwaysuseless 10 років тому +43

    Here's a suggestion: Before watching the animation for a poem, close your eyes and simply listen to him read the poem. Then back up the cursor and watch the animation as he reads it.
    I like the animations. They're clever. But the first time through, I prefer just the words.

  • @Nikanaiko
    @Nikanaiko 12 років тому +17

    The "Forgetfulness" poem hit me hard, as someone with semi-serious memory problems due to depression. I don't remember most of the books I've read. Every time I reread a book, it's like reading it for the first time. Same with movies or other stories. I've looked in old pictures and wondered whose shoulders I have my arm around and why I seemed so happy. I sometimes forget where I'm walking to when I'm walking. To see a poem address that gave me chills...but I will probably forget the poem soon.

  • @mandypac2854
    @mandypac2854 10 років тому +26

    "If at first you don't succeed, hide all evidence you ever tried" 4:40

  • @ladybird491
    @ladybird491 4 роки тому +38

    He is writing about everything he notices like Charles Bukowski do. I do the same thing now and amazing poems are coming out

  • @marycloseoppenheimer
    @marycloseoppenheimer 9 років тому +12

    I love the artistry and humor of Billy Collin's poetry. In this talk his poems are paired with interesting animation.

  • @2bsirius
    @2bsirius 12 років тому +6

    "Budapest" reminds me slightly of Shamus Heaney's "Digging" if it were transported to America.
    This was great. Thanks.

  • @MsMoem
    @MsMoem 10 років тому +7

    What an interesting talk, and I have to confess that his references to being poet laureate made me smile! I am based in the UK and haven't come across Billy Collins before but I love the animations blended with his poems.

  • @jenniferjope9601
    @jenniferjope9601 10 років тому +7

    I love seeing these poems come to life, even if it is visually different from what lived in my mind when I first read them.

  • @rhymybollocks5990
    @rhymybollocks5990 5 років тому +4

    The story of his friendship reminded me of the bed time story : The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, so innocent and nice.

  • @sonampalmo3578
    @sonampalmo3578 2 місяці тому

    That wonderful Budapest poem was crashed into by a UA-cam disturbance in friggin Spanish. A POX on YT! I love Billy Collins and any poet or poet-to-be can find nourishment and inspiration in his genius.

  • @axiomist4488
    @axiomist4488 2 роки тому +2

    I just realized that the last poem to the 17 y/o girl is about his daughter ! I'd read it before, but I failed to grasp the fact . Billy is one of my favorite poets, along with Mary Oliver, whose "The Kitten" is my favorite poem .

  • @VisArtVisuals
    @VisArtVisuals 12 років тому +12

    they should make a channel for his poems and animations

  • @avacollopybooks5116
    @avacollopybooks5116 9 років тому +2

    This author is wonderfully talented and not full of himself at the same time. Very interesting idea; yet another of his innovations to keep this art medium current and attract new admirers to it.

  • @rievans57
    @rievans57 11 місяців тому

    It is amazing how Billy Collins takes simplicity and makes it simple.

  • @mc2gregory
    @mc2gregory 12 років тому +3

    I am so glad that TED got Billy Collins. I love his poetry!

  • @manizhaazizi3156
    @manizhaazizi3156 8 місяців тому +1

    I have never enjoyed poetry this much!!! He is a legend

  • @NormanVsNorman
    @NormanVsNorman 12 років тому +4

    The poem at the end... Made my day!

  • @hellachaz
    @hellachaz 12 років тому +7

    "There's a horror movie in there somewhere."
    Dr. Who has it covered! S06E09 - "Night Terrors"

  • @TheAnonyte
    @TheAnonyte 10 років тому +7

    what an inspiration

  • @AppA
    @AppA 12 років тому +1

    That last one was just too awesome.

  • @lananhnguyenthi5038
    @lananhnguyenthi5038 9 місяців тому

    I love "To my favorite 17-year-old high school girl", the way he shows parents' expectation to their child compared to the reality happening at their house is hilarious and relatable. Brilliant mind, Billy.

  • @2222isabella
    @2222isabella 4 місяці тому

    What a treat to listen to!

  • @thepancakekilla
    @thepancakekilla 11 років тому +7

    I saw this video in school today.

  • @LeonidasGGG
    @LeonidasGGG 12 років тому +1

    Last poem was a beauty!

  • @redsol3629
    @redsol3629 10 місяців тому

    Night House by Collins is one of my favourites.

  • @MeagheanMae
    @MeagheanMae 12 років тому +1

    Poetry if for authors with the ability to sum up a whole song or novel in a gorgeously concise fashion. It is a true art form like any other and has inspired me equally as much as my prose and song writings. I see no reason to be putting out so much negativity. The Arts need more positive and passionate thinkers like Billy Collins and other artists to further the positive advancement of our human kind.

  • @BruceDeitrickPrice
    @BruceDeitrickPrice 5 років тому

    We are lucky to have Billy Collins.

  • @randallreid2852
    @randallreid2852 9 років тому +7

    I never figured I would truly enjoy poetry! Thank you, Mr. Collins. I now what a "poet laureate" is :-) ...Kudos!

    • @karenlewis9968
      @karenlewis9968 5 років тому +1

      you've chosen a great poet to listen to. he is a national treasure!

  • @BrotherWoody1
    @BrotherWoody1 12 років тому

    Bravo! One of the best TED's ever!

  • @CKT_in_JC
    @CKT_in_JC 2 роки тому

    This is incredible. Very rewarding. Thank you.

  • @usaaok
    @usaaok 12 років тому +1

    I love poetry, this is awesome.

  • @ariesfairies
    @ariesfairies 12 років тому +3

    being a 17 year old girl myself....
    damn that poem hit me!

  • @__alliemitchell
    @__alliemitchell 6 років тому

    LOVE this man

  • @grandduchyofmiami
    @grandduchyofmiami 12 років тому +1

    Last Poem: Epic!

  • @KaiTendo174
    @KaiTendo174 12 років тому

    TED finally in HD!

  • @THEWELLBELL
    @THEWELLBELL 4 роки тому

    This is so far the best ted talk for me.

  • @jacksonjohnson9674
    @jacksonjohnson9674 2 роки тому

    How dare you make me think on my day off sir!

  • @kennychaffin4578
    @kennychaffin4578 10 років тому +1

    Love it!

  • @scottycatman
    @scottycatman 12 років тому

    Not only is this poetry very prime, but it's in plain, understandable English. I applaud you, Billy Collins.

  • @zovalentine7305
    @zovalentine7305 Рік тому +1

    I love Billy Collins💚❤💚❤
    🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

  • @pyrojamin
    @pyrojamin 12 років тому +1

    i normally dont care for poetry but his is beautiful

  • @MarkArandjus
    @MarkArandjus 12 років тому

    These shorts are really good.

  • @petree50
    @petree50 12 років тому

    the third poem was fantastic!

  • @paulorogerioguimaraes4001
    @paulorogerioguimaraes4001 4 роки тому

    Beautiful

  • @Ruthlessraze
    @Ruthlessraze 12 років тому

    This is really good!

  • @dr-maybe
    @dr-maybe 12 років тому +1

    I'm still not entirely sure of whether art belongs on TED or not, but I really enjoyed these animated poems. Thanks!

  • @salahhe
    @salahhe 12 років тому +1

    A week ago, I was managing my playlist and saw poetry then wanted to delete it. I accidentally closed the page before deleting it. I only listen to these while working, and i thought "what if , when it gets on line, it will actually be good stuf?" then i shook my head because, you know, poetry, wtf can be good about that, i'll just delete it when I hear it.Now it came on the list, I skipped forward, i listened to it and kept on listening. it was good. And that is something.

    • @mjarratt12
      @mjarratt12 4 роки тому

      Sounds like it got you before you had time to deploy your anti-poetry defense mechanism...

  • @AlphaNumeric123
    @AlphaNumeric123 10 років тому +4

    I don't know what you're talking about, but I'm interested. What is called and who is it by? Do you mean Billy Collin's "Forgetting"? I think there is a line in there about sailing around the room, bouncing between book shelves or something

    • @leslieyoung6286
      @leslieyoung6286 5 років тому +3

      I don't know if you'll see this reply after 5 years. Maybe you are thinking of the opening lines of Billy Collins' "Lanyard":
      The other day I was ricocheting slowly
      off the blue walls of this room,
      moving as if underwater from typewriter to piano,
      from bookshelf to an envelope lying on the floor,

  • @cynthiascharon-knight6286
    @cynthiascharon-knight6286 3 роки тому

    Awesome!

  • @ALI3N59
    @ALI3N59 12 років тому

    Great video!

  • @laurarox80
    @laurarox80 12 років тому +1

    LOL never heard that last one, loved it, but I was sassily goin 'uh!" after everything he said. =pp

  • @keirstenwahlberg6476
    @keirstenwahlberg6476 2 роки тому

    His poems are simple but profound

  • @AlphaNumeric123
    @AlphaNumeric123 11 років тому +3

    Anyone who likes this should check out -- the art of drowning by billy collins -- it's by far the most successful combination of the two mediums, I think

  • @yubedude
    @yubedude 12 років тому +1

    Mr Collins you have crippled my shields.
    In youth I did not like poetry.
    Once, I was given the choice between attending a smoke filled coffee house poetry slam and having my molars extracted.
    Today I no longer am able to enjoy hearty grained breads.
    Mr Collins you have destroyed my shields and have opened my eyes and ears,
    I turn to my Number One and order a full about face.
    My order is to proceed to the Collins universe at light-speed as all resistance is futile.
    "Make it so, engage!"

  • @bookrazy
    @bookrazy 11 років тому +2

    I liked them all very much, but as a 17 year old girl the last poem made me more anxious than amused

    • @possummagic1341
      @possummagic1341 4 роки тому +1

      How's it being a 23 yr old girl? This is coming from a 17 yr old girl.

  • @justjuanamany
    @justjuanamany 12 років тому +1

    last poem starts at 12:30
    i watched it from the start though.

  • @h4h4h4118
    @h4h4h4118 2 роки тому

    I like this dude.

  • @eagleeye1975
    @eagleeye1975 12 років тому +1

    Poetry is just a fancy word used to describe someone who has nothing better to do, and nothing more to offer, than something he has decided is art, and has browbeaten everyone else in to thinking it's art as well. Anything can be poetry, any series of words can be beautiful. Why we laud these people is beyond me.

  • @56jmoney
    @56jmoney 12 років тому

    how can i change the resolution to 240p? Can I enter a web address? Is there a command? Someone help! Please
    Some videos aren't allowing me to choose 240p quality. And I have DSL, I need shitty quality to be able to view in real time (instead of waiting for the video to download)....
    Still waiting for this to DL......
    Please someone, teach me how to DL or view the 240p version.

  • @793TFR
    @793TFR 12 років тому

    Where does the last one appear in print??

  • @danieljamesaraujo
    @danieljamesaraujo 12 років тому

    7:54 the River Lethe!

  • @Rulerofwax24
    @Rulerofwax24 12 років тому

    I really like Collins, but I am a big fan of the poetry he showed (maybe because I had time to put up my defenses). I did really like his country poem, and the last one reminded me of my dad.

  • @renetto
    @renetto 12 років тому

    Nice...

  • @ariesfairies
    @ariesfairies 12 років тому

    Thanks for the video link.. ..But why me?

  • @MDMAAOK
    @MDMAAOK 12 років тому

    Let's clarify something for you, TED is an acronym for Technology, Entertainment and Design. This talk I believe falls under entertainment. As would talks from Andrew Stanton, J.J. Abram's and David Blaine to name a few, which also highlights the fact that you mustn't have seen many TED talks at all. Additionally, to criticise this guys I.Q, brings to mind your own deficiencies.
    Although you are entitled to your opinion, as narrow as they are :)

  • @lukejmaclean
    @lukejmaclean 12 років тому

    first time in the history of entertainment that the screen writer gets all the credit. Yeah, the producer or director of this show should of had the old fella to introduce these shorts properly

  • @salvation7141
    @salvation7141 10 років тому +1

    what about sailing around the room?

  • @OctoberEmbers
    @OctoberEmbers 12 років тому

    Direct hit.

  • @AnthonyW07
    @AnthonyW07 12 років тому

    no volume? or is it me

  • @m4lvolio
    @m4lvolio 12 років тому

    Is he Steven Wright's brother?

  • @PlumTurtle
    @PlumTurtle 12 років тому

    A fun presentation, but I wish he had given credit/recognition to the animator(s).

  • @joelfry4982
    @joelfry4982 11 років тому +2

    This is not prose poetry. It's lyric free verse. The poems include line breaks, and are discursive enough to warrant separate stanzas. Though Collins often utilizes structured free verse (free verse in which each stanza has the same number of lines--something I find almost impossible to achieve) it is possible that these poems have a looser construction on the page. I have yet to read a Billy Collins poem which is formatted as a prose poem.

  • @amherst88
    @amherst88 12 років тому

    Try Lethe

  • @GrahenKraken
    @GrahenKraken 12 років тому

    i know what you mean, and i do agree, but i just see this more as book-material (for a lack of better term) than a song.. still the way of turning feeling and imagery into text is amazing, but thats just my opinion.. its good, i just find it wrongfully classified..

  • @wojovox
    @wojovox 12 років тому

    That's the thing about poetry, I either fucking love it or I fucking hate it. In this case, it's the latter. I understand that people are going to like this. Well, there's also people like me.

  • @veronicaramirez802
    @veronicaramirez802 6 років тому

    Is this Billy Collins the same guy who use to box??

  • @DeoMachina
    @DeoMachina 12 років тому

    How does a witty guy like that write such dull poetry?

  • @TheDeathofGrace
    @TheDeathofGrace 12 років тому

    was that a poem?

  • @DeadWhiteButterflies
    @DeadWhiteButterflies 12 років тому

    His voice in the animation sounds like GLaDOS XD

  • @brianfeathers7473
    @brianfeathers7473 9 років тому +1

    Lieutenant. Remind me to explain to you the concept of the human ego.

  • @FinallyGotATubeName
    @FinallyGotATubeName 12 років тому

    I'm not the only one who is now afraid of matches right?

  • @ElectricIguana
    @ElectricIguana 12 років тому +1

    Bueller...Bueller...

  • @CrueLove
    @CrueLove 12 років тому

    I haven't watched the whole video yet but I have to say that the narrator could use a little more stressing. As nice as the poems are, he really sounds like that old speech robot youtube had a while ago.

  • @ExclusiveManual
    @ExclusiveManual 12 років тому +1

    "smoking and drinking" is that a typical poet thing?

    • @ericavarela6754
      @ericavarela6754 4 роки тому +1

      Speaking for myself, they do come hand to hand; many times :)

    • @hank1519
      @hank1519 4 роки тому

      @@ericavarela6754 Long tradition of debauched poets.

  • @theoceanviewgirl
    @theoceanviewgirl 11 років тому +1

    Please try to write several of this type of poem, perform it in public, send it out for publication. After these experiences, please comment, again. It's good to broaden one's horizons. Until then, a comment like, "I don't care for (or, perhaps, understand) these poems, or their purpose," might be both kinder and more appropriate. Thank you

  • @jrnyenhuis
    @jrnyenhuis 12 років тому

    Mr. Collins, your poems have all the excitement of a recommended dietary allowance.

  • @Meaux55
    @Meaux55 12 років тому

    I am amazed that 27 people disliked this.

  • @HupraNET
    @HupraNET 12 років тому

    0:15

  • @Buckets41369
    @Buckets41369 11 років тому +1

    10:25 Promouseous?

  • @salahhe
    @salahhe 12 років тому +1

    I hate poetry but this guy's writing is good.

  • @jamesmichaelbier
    @jamesmichaelbier 7 років тому

    god bless wilfred owen ww1 soldier and poet.

  • @dreamdimensions
    @dreamdimensions 12 років тому

    I beg to differ :)

  • @RunInterviews
    @RunInterviews 12 років тому

    like the idea, should have gotten lil wayne to recite his poems though...this guy is definitely a better writer than verbalist

  • @GrahenKraken
    @GrahenKraken 12 років тому

    no no no, dont get me wrong, im not saying this is easy etc. i just think of this more like storywriting than poetry... just my 2 cents, still, the man has talent ofc..

  • @ericavarela6754
    @ericavarela6754 4 роки тому +1

    here I'd like to share one of my poems from my book " Timeless Depths". would truly love to hear any feedback of your thoughts.
    thank you.
    Title: Erica
    I am a house.
    Inside a labyrinth.
    Red brick walls
    Cement sticks.
    I know my way
    I made the pattern exclusively. Though to say; these patterns
    I saw, I seen, and I’ve been present, Sometimes to my fault of lost.
    Made so rich, so crimson- A hint of a noir soul.
    A hint, unhinged.
    Nevertheless, her naturally haunting beauty remains.
    When the day remained to be at its will, Filled with strength.
    Her wall - Collapsed.

    • @luqmanhakim6538
      @luqmanhakim6538 3 роки тому

      i really like this poem! are you writing about yourself here?

  • @Boreasos
    @Boreasos 12 років тому

    I hate poetry, but this is pretty good.

  • @purv989
    @purv989 12 років тому

    @Shark781227 Poetry is just rhyming? Wow, one of the most absurd statements I've ever heard. There's skill in meter and conveying images and emotions. All of which can be, and usually is done at its best without rhyming.

  • @RDJim
    @RDJim 12 років тому

    OK, beg me. :)