Humor, for me, is really a gate of departure. It's a way of enticing a reader into a poem so that less funny things can take place later. It really is not an end in itself, but a means to an end.

In this quote, Billy Collins, a former U.S. Poet Laureate, discusses the role of humor in his poetry. He describes humor as a "gate of departure," meaning it serves as a tool or entry point to engage the reader and draw them into a poem. For Collins, humor isn't the main focus or end goal of his writing, but rather a way to ease the reader into deeper, more complex themes that follow. It’s a technique he uses to capture attention before transitioning to more serious or thoughtful subjects.

Collins emphasizes that humor acts as a gateway, making his poems more accessible and allowing the reader to relax and enjoy the experience before encountering more serious or meaningful content. This approach suggests that humor can create a comfortable space, enabling the audience to be more receptive to the poet's exploration of heavier themes. The lightness at the beginning makes the reader more open to experiencing a range of emotions as the poem progresses.

By saying that humor is "not an end in itself, but a means to an end," Collins is also reflecting on the functionality of humor in his work. It’s not about creating laughter or entertainment for its own sake, but about using humor as a means to facilitate a deeper, often more reflective, engagement with the poem’s subject matter. Humor becomes a way to enhance the emotional impact of the poem, preparing the reader for more profound or contemplative moments.

Ultimately, Collins’ quote illustrates his belief in the power of humor as a literary tool—something that can disarm the reader and open them up to more complex or nuanced ideas. Humor, in his view, is a strategic device that creates the right environment for the exploration of deeper themes, making it an essential part of his poetic style.