NPR favorite and former U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins brings humor and whimsy to his work, yet he hints at a seriousness that lies beneath the surface. Sharp, unexpected turns abound as Collins extrapolates life's absurdities and makes them seem reasonable--even bearable.

Billy Collins is an American phenomenon. No poet since Robert Frost has managed to combine high critical acclaim with such broad popular appeal. His last three collections of poems have broken sales records for poetry. His readings are usually standing room only, and his audience ? enhanced tremendously by his appearances on National Public Radio ? includes people of all back-grounds and age groups. The poems themselves best explain this phenomenon. The typical Collins poem opens on a clear and hospitable note but soon takes an unexpected turn; poems that begin in irony may end in a moment of lyric surprise. No wonder Billy Collins sees his poetry as ?a form of travel writing? and considers humor ?a door into the serious.?

Billy Collins has published seven collections of poetry, including the bestseller?The Best Cigarette (on CD ONLY) where these tracks and 26 others can be found.