I'm trying to write poems that involve beginning at a known place, and ending up at a slightly different place. I'm trying to take a little journey from one place to another, and it's usually from a realistic place, to a place in the imagination.

In the quote "I'm trying to write poems that involve beginning at a known place, and ending up at a slightly different place. I'm trying to take a little journey from one place to another, and it's usually from a realistic place, to a place in the imagination," Billy Collins reflects on his approach to poetry and the creative process. He describes the movement within his poems as a journey, where the poem begins with something familiar and realistic, but gradually transitions into the imaginative and the abstract. This shift allows the poem to explore new ideas and perspectives, taking both the writer and reader on an unexpected, yet fulfilling, path.

Collins, a former U.S. Poet Laureate, is known for his accessible yet deeply thoughtful poetry. In this quote, he explains that his goal is to create poems that start with a concrete or real-world element, something tangible that readers can immediately connect with. From there, he allows the poem to evolve into something more abstract, pushing the boundaries of reality and tapping into the imagination. This shift not only deepens the experience but also creates a sense of discovery for both the poet and the audience.

The idea of moving "from a realistic place to a place in the imagination" reflects Collins' belief in the transformative power of poetry. He sees poems as a space where everyday experiences and thoughts can be elevated or reinterpreted through imaginative thinking. By starting with something recognizable, he grounds the reader before leading them to explore more expansive, creative possibilities. This technique makes his poetry feel both familiar and surprising, offering readers a gentle yet profound journey.

Ultimately, Collins' quote reveals his artistic vision: poetry as a means of transition from the everyday to the extraordinary. By blending realism with imagination, he invites readers to experience a shift in perspective, one that opens up new ways of thinking and feeling. This balance between the known and the imaginative is what gives Collins' poetry its charm, offering both clarity and mystery in equal measure.