KQED's Forum Forum From the Archives: What Has a Dog Shown You?
Dec 24, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Billy Collins, a former U.S. Poet Laureate known for his humorous and reflective poetry, shares insights from his new collection, Dog Show. He reflects on childhood dog experiences and how dogs teach us to embrace the ordinary with joy. Collins reads poignant poems that explore themes of loss, detachment, and affection, while callers recount personal stories of dogs providing emotional support. Through humor and wisdom, Collins reveals how dogs can shape our perspective on life and love.
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Episode notes
Friendship Without Purpose
- Collins likens a dog's companionship to friendship without purpose: presence without demands.
- He emphasizes dogs' simple desire to be with their humans as the core of that bond.
Use Small Rituals To Stay Grounded
- Collins advises poetry (and dog-walking) provides a humane break from news and politics.
- He suggests leaders should adopt simple daily rituals like walking a dog to stay grounded.
Two Creatures Mirroring Wonder
- "Two Creatures" portrays the mutual, curious tracking between poet and dog as they move through rooms and the night.
- Collins notes the dog follows his gaze and shares wonder, yet fears never returning after an outing.