Former US Poet Laureate at RWU

Award-winning poet and best-selling author Billy Collins will discuss his critically acclaimed poetry collection “Sailing Alone Around the Room.” As part of his presentation, Collins will offer a rare reading of his poem “The Names,” which he wrote as a tribute to victims and survivors of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. U.S. Poet Laureate at the time, Colli­­ns originally read the poem in 2002 as part of the U.S. Congress’ one-year remembrance ceremony.  “Sailing Alone Around the Room” is this year’s Common Reading selection at Roger Williams and is read by all first-year students. 

The presentation will take place at 7 p.m. at the University’s Recreation Center Gymnasium on the Bristol Campus at One Old Ferry Road. Limited tickets to this free event will be made available to the public; to reserve a ticket, call (401) 254-3210.