But plenty to drink too!
It's official. Collins is my favorite modern poet. None of the maudlin navel-gazing and exhaustive microanalysis of one's inner self/race/abuse/sexuality that other poetry out there seems to thrive on.
Collins' poems are lovely - lovely observations of everyday things and everyday life.
Slice of life sketches wrapped into the rhythmic but never rhyming thing that is poetry these days.
So if you want to read poetry that will elate and delight, look no further. There's plenty of the other kind out in the world. But why dwell, when you can punch up? Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.

I was eager to read this book, having learned of Collins’ relocation to Florida from the cold New England winters, bitter to the bones of old men and women. The seasonal climate, the fauna, the birds, the breadth and brightness of the sky of Florida, conducive to the constitution of old snow birds, what effect, I wondered, would the regional change have on Collins’ poetry.

There is an introductory poem about New England winters, of which Collins describes in verse, somber and beautiful. But he’s not fooling anyone. This is the sole winter poem in the collection, his good bye and good riddance poem, but written on good terms. He knows it’s best never to burn bridges.

His observations of the Sunshine State are fewer than expected, but they are there. He appears to be happy with ibises, the first I’ve seen in a poem, his Hawaiian shirt and green sneakers as he ponders why he can’t be Sonny Rollins or why his father was not employed before the 15th century when men sired interesting, and often weird, poets who would earn posterity. Collins ponders much on the past in these pages, his and humanity’s past. Time and space as infinite and boundless, mysterious and curious, as his college students remind him as they question him about the backwardness of BC, become BCE, compared to AD time, providing more material for his ponderings.

Once upon a time there were four elements. Collins writes poems for each of them: a notable in the late middle ages burning papers in a fireplace; Collins at the beach, standing up to his neck in water; and, two for one, visiting Australia and lying on the ground, staring up at the Southern Cross.

Yes, these are profound poems, arguably Collins’ best book, a deep profundity shared in a conversational language of small talk and everyday things, accessible to the man and woman at the big box supermarket. This is poetry at its best and, less we forget, written by a man in green shoes. Mr Collins, enjoy the warm winters, and be well.

Thank you to Billy Collins for writing this book, his publisher, Penguin Random House, for making it available, and NetGalley for an ARC.

This collection of new poems has the same depth and feel of Sailing Alone Around the Room. Collins uses trademark humor and storytelling in this book, with a deft hand, and offers insight into the happiness that can be found in the mundane. Thoroughly enjoyable. Very much like his older works, and melancholic without being morbid. Quirky without being silly. Thoughtful and lucid. Right up there with Ballistics in terms of mood and character, and a must have addition to any Collins collection.

I’ve been a fan of Billy Collins for a quarter of a century, and I can honestly say I’ve never been disappointed with a collection of his poetry. Water, Water is no exception. I particularly loved the exceptional sad ‘Anniversary’, the self-referential ‘The Monet Conundrum’ and the hilarious ‘The First Typewriter’.

Thank you to Random House for the amazing opportunity to read this eARC before publication. It will certainly join its brethren in physical form on my bookshelf.

This was a beautiful collection of poetry. It felt real, connected to the world. There was times his poems gave me chills and others that left me in awe. I’ve never read any of his books before. And I was wonderfully surprised with how amazing it was.

This is a book of poetry that I don't think would be fair for me to rate via the star system. Why? Because the style of Mr. Collins's poetry is not my preferred style of poems. As such, I don't feel that I can judge/rate his book of poetry in any manner that would make sense.

I really, really liked the poem Sunday Drive & If/Then though. If/Then, specifically, will speak for many I think.

(Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Random for the opportunity to read Water, Water by Billy Collins. He had done it again! Made me smile, chuckle, laugh out loud, and cry. All while feeling joyous and nostalgic and wrapped in words. This collection is truly magical.

Billy Collins has long been my companion. No, I don't know him personally, but when reading him, I feel that somehow he might just know me. "Water, Water" is breathtaking, tearjerking, and wonderful. There is something about it that is so nostalgic and familiar, while at the same time being absolutely magical. Bravo Billy, you've done it again.

For those familiar with poet Billy Collins, "Water, Water" will be like welcoming back a trusted and adored companion.

The former United States Poet Laureate, Collins is a master at writing in ways that are both universal and intimate, familiar yet mysterious. This is very much alive in "Water, Water," a collection of 60 poems focused on the joy and mystery of daily life.

While my usual poetry preferences lean toward Bukowski-esque writers (limited pool, I know), there's something about Collins I absolutely adore. It is, perhaps, his ability to begin, as he states, with clarity before moving into the more mysterious nuances of daily life. It may, perhaps, be his accessibility as a writer, as an instructor (Collins is a Distinguished Professor of English at Lehman College and is currently a member of the faculty at SUNY Stony Brook Southampton), and as a human being.

There's a joy that comes to life in Collins's writing that is absolutely compelling. He brings it further to life when one hears him teach, speak, or read his poetry.

"Water, Water" is a collection that triggered my imagination and felt like a full-on sensory experience. "Against Longing" gripped by beautiful imagery and poignant reality. "Drawing a Pineapple" made me both laugh and dream. I would dare say that "Your Poem" is touching in its simplicity and sense of calling.

There are more poems that I loved here, of course. "Reading the Guest Book," "The Monet Conundrum," "Days of Teenage Glory" and others. Piece of this collection have been published elsewhere, however, they all seem to fit together so beautifully that I found myself fully satisfied by book's end.

For Billy Collins fans, "Water, Water" is a must. For those new to Collins, "Water, Water" will be an introduction to a wonderful poet that will make you want to explore his other works.

Thanks to NetGalley for another ARC! My parents introduced me to Billy Collins sometime ago, and while I found him funny and endearing, I didn't, at the time, get what the fuss was about. Now I'm a little older, the world is a little scarier, and Billy Collins' new collection of poetry hits MUCH harder. Whimsical, lovely, relatable. A great read, just what Doctor Jesus ordered.