"I Ask You"

In Collin’s poem “I Ask You”, he uses personification to create more images for the reader to understand his view of the candles on the table before him. Personification is when an object is described using human characteristics.

“and the way these three candles-- / each a different height-- / are singing in perfect harmony. / So forgive me / if I lower my head now and listen / to the short bass candle as he takes a solo” (Collins 22-27)

Rationale for selection:

This "I Ask You" is about Collin’s enjoyment and genuine contentment in solitude. He takes much pleasure in the simple things of life. This use of personification illustrates perfectly how he appreciates something so ordinary and simple as a candles. He describes the trio of candles as singing a private concert for him. How he excused himself from the reader just to hear the solo of the “short bass candle” meant he really values spending time alone, listening for what others may not be open to hearing.