Some Days

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1998

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Summary

Background

Poem Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Background

Literary Context

Collins’s doctorate and main literary expertise is Romantic poetry while his generational influence is the Beat movement and the writing that came from the Beatniks. Traditionally, Romantic poetry is rooted in place and nature and uses everyday objects to explore existential and profound subject matters. Collins names British poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge as his main poetic influence from the Romantic era.

Collins also cites the Beat Generation as a major influence on his poetry. Beat poetry rebels against formal establishments like the government. The poetry from this movement mirrors this rebellion. While rhythmic in form, writing from the Beats shatters all traditional structures and subjects. Collins’s poem steps away from both Romanticism and Beat poetry, yet contains elements of influence from each.

In a 2007 interview Collins says, “Mortality is the over-arching subject of poetry” (Collins, Billy. “What are the recurring themes in your poetry?” Big Think.). Romantic poetry often explores mortality through nature, while in this poem Collins explores a different death: the death of the individual in a society where sameness, conformity, and good behavior is more valued than unique, individual expression. This critique of society very much echoes Beat poet subject matter and continues the discourse the Beat generation began.

Sociohistorical Context

This poem was written in 1998 and Collins was undoubtedly influenced by the social and political climate of the time. The 1990s saw a rise in gun violence and terrorist attacks on American soil. In addition, the Los Angeles riots in 1992 brought more attention to issues of race and socioeconomic powers. In 1998, Bill Clinton eventually admitted to his affair with Monica Lewinski.

This poem reflects the feeling of powerlessness individuals at the time felt when it came to the society and the world around them. There were specific requirements, expectations, and social pressures on people. On the other hand, people in positions of power caught acting outside of accord were forgiven. The powers-that-be could break laws and get away with it—very much opposite of the behavioral leeway offered to the public. This poem mirrors the general feeling of insignificance and powerlessness as an individual living within societal confines.

The rise of grunge rock in the 1990s embodied the overall feel of contempt, rage, and disillusionment many people felt toward society. Grunge is inherently rebellious of society and its expectations. Like the Beats, grunge was an attempt to escape society and create something new. This poem reflects the same ethos of disdain and hopelessness of the times.