American poet Billy Collins, who is renowned for his approachable and conversational style, has offered writers and readers alike insightful perspectives on the craft of poetry. One of his observations centers on the notion that writing poems with limitations can result in more potent and significant works.

Collins contends that a writer pushes themselves to write within predetermined parameters by establishing guidelines or patterns for a poem, such as selecting a particular form, like sonnets or villanelles. This procedure increases the poetic muscles' strength and flexibility, much like lifting weights in the gym does. The creativity that inherently craves freedom opposes a poet who forces a strict framework on their work. Some of the most powerful poems are frequently the product of this push-and-pull dynamic.

Imagine using clay to create a sculpture that can be anything and everything, with no restrictions or rules. When limitations are added, such as crafting it within a certain size or shape, the problem shifts from simply deciding what to make to figuring out how to fit your vision within those limitations. Through the imposed limitations, the artist discovers new ways to express their ideas, and it is in this struggle that the magic occurs.

Similar to this, establishing formal patterns in poetry compels poets to consider word choice and structure more carefully and imaginatively. It's similar to figuring out a puzzle: for the entire picture to be visible, every piece must fit precisely. Poems created through this process of battling form are richer, more complex, and frequently more memorable than those produced unrestrictedly.

Billy Collins' viewpoint demonstrates how accepting one's limitations can be a potent tool in one's poetic toolbox. Poets gain from pushing themselves within structured forms to create their best work, much like athletes train under rigorous regimens to reach peak performance.