I was fully prepared not to cry, but of course I did. Beautiful. Reminds me of my boys when they were younger, how they'd bring me feathers and robin's eggs, tiny rocks they found. Basically they were saying, "This is all I have to offer and I'm giving it to you." That always moved me so deeply.
When I started reading your description I felt sure it was this poem! A classic, and yes, it always moved me to both laughter and tears — even more so now that I’m a mother too.
Also, if you can find a recording of Collins reading, it’s well worth the time!
Indeed, the poem has the power to make a man—a boy five decades ago—deeply moved, to watery eyes and genuine laughter.
For our four daughters, I build wardrobes, and repair bicycles, and know how to fix a leaking tap—and that's it. All the bond that keeps the fabric of the family comes from a woman: the wife, the mother.
I was fully prepared not to cry, but of course I did. Beautiful. Reminds me of my boys when they were younger, how they'd bring me feathers and robin's eggs, tiny rocks they found. Basically they were saying, "This is all I have to offer and I'm giving it to you." That always moved me so deeply.
When I started reading your description I felt sure it was this poem! A classic, and yes, it always moved me to both laughter and tears — even more so now that I’m a mother too.
Also, if you can find a recording of Collins reading, it’s well worth the time!
So good! 🥲
Ohh, such a good poem! I adore Billy Collins. Thank you for sharing this!
Indeed, the poem has the power to make a man—a boy five decades ago—deeply moved, to watery eyes and genuine laughter.
For our four daughters, I build wardrobes, and repair bicycles, and know how to fix a leaking tap—and that's it. All the bond that keeps the fabric of the family comes from a woman: the wife, the mother.
Love Billy Collins!