The Dead – Billy Collins

Charles 8 Comments
Charles

The Dead

The dead are always looking down on us, they say,
while we are putting on our shoes or making a sandwich,
they are looking down through the glass-bottom boats of heaven
as they row themselves slowly through eternity.

They watch the tops of our heads moving below on earth,
and buy discount cialis when we lie down in a field or on a couch,
drugged perhaps by the hum of a warm afternoon,
they think we are looking back at them,

which makes them lift their oars and fall silent
and wait, like parents, for us to close our eyes.

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Rupert Callender
13 years ago

I love this poem. Never had the nerve to use it in a ceremony.

nursemyra
13 years ago

Wow – I hadn’t heard this before but I love it.

And I’m delighted to finally be able to leave comments on your blog again!

Charles Cowling
13 years ago

Most awfully good to see you again, Nurse Myra!

Nestov Ratz
13 years ago

“while we are putting on our shoes or making a sandwich”

That’s just beautiful. If I didn’t know better I would think it was a lost work by William McGonagal, the tragedian of Dundee.

Charles Cowling
13 years ago

Alas, I am very sorry to say.

Comfort Blanket
Comfort Blanket
13 years ago

I’m with Rupert. I came across this poem last year and loved it. But haven’t found quite the right moment to use it. One day soon…

Gary
Gary
5 years ago

Billy Collins is a genius