Question

Through light on the confessional and ironic tone used in the poem

Answer 1

The title of the poem suggests that this will be a basic, perhaps formal presentation of poetry, where the reader gets to know the poem's fundamentals. May I introduce you to sonnet - 14 lines, terrific rhyme scheme, packed with metaphor and anaphora and has an iambic pentameter to die for.

But, Introduction to Poetry is the poet's way of saying that a poem is a thing of wonder and should be treated in a way that does not cause internal bruising to both poem and reader. In effect, Billy Collins is declaring his love for poetry because, to him, it is a living thing, made of everyday language.