Billy Collins

Billy Collins (born 1941) is an American poet known for accessible, witty contemporary verse. He served as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress (U.S. Poet Laureate) from 2001 to 2003. Collins has been widely read for poems that draw on everyday experience and conversational language while often turning toward reflection and surprise. He has also been associated with teaching and public advocacy for poetry, including readings and projects aimed at broad audiences. His work has appeared in numerous collections and has helped make contemporary poetry familiar to many general readers in the United States.