The following version of this poem was used to create this guide: Collins, Billy. “Forgetfulness.” Poetry Foundation, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/37695/forgetfulness.

Note that all parenthetical citations refer to the line number from which the quotation is taken.

“Forgetfulness” is a 23-line poem composed of eight stanzas of varying lengths. It tells a story of a decaying mind through Billy Collins’ trademark colloquial language. Collins is known for being a “people’s poet,” and he uses accessible turns of phrase to help solidify a place for poetry in a new generation. This poem deals with themes of old age and the ephemerality of knowledge.