Was not writing poetry a secret transaction, a voice answering a voice?
-
Virginia Woolf
Remembrance and reflection how allied! What thin partitions Sense from Thought divide!
-
Alexander Pope
Don't be afraid of poetry.
-
Clifton Fadiman
No one could say the stories were uselessfor as the tongue clackedfive or forty fingers stitchedcorn was grated from the huskpathwork was piecedor the darning was done...(from 'The Storyteller Poems')
-
Liz Lochhead
You bear a sword and shield, remind meof her labor, her stoning gaze. What beastwill your blade free next? What call will you loosefrom another woman's throat?
-
Donika Kelly
More Quotes By John Berryman
I am so wise I had my mouth sewn shut.
You should always be trying to write a poem you are unable to write, a poem you lack the technique, the language, the courage to achieve. Otherwise you're merely imitating yourself, going nowhere, because that's always easiest.
These Songs are not meant to be understood, you understand. They are only meant to terrify & comfort.
I do strongly feel that among the greatest pieces of luck for high achievement is ordeal. Certain great artists can make out without it, Titian and others, but mostly you need ordeal. My idea is this: the artist is extremely lucky who is presented with...
