#1 (picnic, lightning)

"Picnic, Lightning" was my favorite poem from the collection by Billy Collins. I enjoyed the beginning quote that set up the poem, even before I knew the full context of it. Without knowing the context, it is simply an intriguing line that sets up the poem and captures the interest of the reader. It is a rather shocking quote. My main interest in this poem is because of the duplicity of the simple action and dramatic results. I think that the contrast throughout the poem is what brings it to life. In additon, I've lived in Florida, which is the state with the highest amount of deaths from lightning per year. So, I think I'm more aware of the intrinsic power of lightning than most. I like how the poem begins with almost fantastical images of sudden death, and then gradually moves to (literally) harvesting life. I love the very specific description of the garden, and I think that it helps the poem to end while focusing on the truly beautiful nature of life. I think that this was a great title for the whole collection because this one poem represents most of what is covered in all of the others. It encompasses the strange in the ordinary, and the magic that happens with life everyday.