The poem Fishing on the Susquehanna in July, written by Billy Collins, is a poem about a man who lacks an experience he desires. Billy Collins begins by describing what he might be found doing instead of fishing like he wishes to be. He says that the closest thing he’s experienced is enjoying paintings similar to how he imagines it. He concludes the poem, saying that he will probably never go fishing on the Susquehanna in July. The duration of poem displays his self-sorrow that he has never, and probably will never, go fishing on the Susquehanna in July
Billy Collins describes the idea he wishes for, while explaining what he does alternatively. There is deeper meaning than what he says about his simple wish. The underlying theme appeals to many in a modern era and many people feel it virtually every day. A large number of people have many wonderful things in their lives, but always seem to focus on the thing, or experience in this case, that they don’t have. My generation displays this universal attitude the most; never being satisfied with our innumerable luxuries.
The poem appealed to me because of its underlying theme about the feeling of a missing piece. I, personally, have experienced this feeling many times, especially in volleyball. I am incredibly lucky to play the sport I love almost every day and I have the fortune of training to become the skilled player I am today. Although I am, in perspective, a good volleyball player, I constantly feel like I am being beat out by one person. It always seems like theres just one athlete ahead of me and I never can truly prove myself in their shadow. Avoiding this attitude is incredibly difficult sometimes, but I’ve realized overtime it’s all about bigger picture. Asking myself the question, “Is it really that bad, Hannah?” makes it easier to remember to be grateful. In grand perspective, even with one person ahead of me, I will still be able to play at the next level. Reminding myself that it may not be perfect, but it’s pretty close to it always helps me.
Connecting this back to the poem, is it really about fishing on the Susquehanna in July? In the poem it may literally be that. Figuratively, I think Collins displays how a lack of appreciation for an inevitable situation is what creates this negative feeling. Blinded by his misfortune, he lacks an admiration for his circumstance. The repetition of his desire, “Fishing on the Susquehanna in July” is representative of how much emphasis we put on what we don’t in our lives rather than what we do. This ill feeling caused by our supposed deficiency suffocates our chance at happiness.
