Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

THE LANYARD, by BILLY COLLINS Recitation by Author Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"The Lanyard" is a poem by Billy Collins that explores the relationship between a mother and son through the lens of a simple gift. The poem was published in Collins' 2001 collection "Sailing Alone Around the Room" and has become one of his most popular and beloved works.

Explanation:

"The Lanyard" begins with the speaker recalling a moment from his childhood when he made a lanyard for his mother while at summer camp. The lanyard was made from plastic and was "as blue as a slice of the sky." The speaker reflects on how he had no idea what the purpose of a lanyard was and how he was simply following the instructions given to him by his counselor. However, he notes how his mother seemed to genuinely appreciate the gift and how she wore it every day, even though it was "hopelessly uncool."

The poem then shifts to a reflection on the idea of parental love and how it is often taken for granted by children. The speaker notes how his mother's love for him is so profound that she could "swallow the ocean in which we bob" and how he could never hope to repay her for all that she has given him. However, the lanyard becomes a symbol of gratitude and love, a small gesture that represents the larger gift of a mother's love.

Poetic Elements:

Imagery: Collins uses vivid descriptions to bring the lanyard to life and to create a sense of nostalgia for childhood memories.
Tone: The tone of the poem is both reflective and appreciative, as the speaker looks back on his childhood and the love of his mother.
Structure: The poem is written in free verse and does not have a consistent rhyme scheme. It consists of three stanzas, each with varying numbers of lines, which creates a sense of movement and progression throughout the poem.
Irony: The use of irony is evident in the last stanza, where the speaker acknowledges that even though he cannot repay his mother's love, he can at least give her a lanyard, which represents a small token of appreciation.

Conclusion:

"The Lanyard" is a touching poem that captures the beauty and complexity of the relationship between a mother and son. Through the use of vivid imagery and a reflective tone, Collins invites readers to appreciate the gift of parental love and the small gestures that can represent larger acts of gratitude. The lanyard serves as a powerful symbol of love, reminding us of the ways in which we can express our appreciation for those who have given us so much.

Poem Snippet:

She gave me life and milk from her breasts,

and I gave her a lanyard.

She nursed me in many a sick room,

lifted teaspoons of medicine to my lips,