24.9.07

at its essence...

If we're going to solve the problems of the world, we have to learn how to talk to one another. Poetry is the language at its essence. It's the bones and the skeleton of the language. It teaches you, if nothing else, how to choose your words.

           - Rita Dove

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It may be the deepest form, and has the wherewithal to say what can’t fully be said in any other way. Poetry demands a letting go, and will have its own way.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Li-Young Lee says a similar thing about poetry: that it is the most auspicious language - the one in which you talk to your god, spiritual leader, etc.

I like how Dove says it teaches you how to choose your words.

Collin Kelley said...

Love the Dove quote. I was helping a poet get their manuscript in order and we were talking about word choices. This quote is spot on.

sam of the ten thousand things said...

Lee's point is a good one, Melissa. And Collin, thanks for the visit.

Kate Evans said...

Great quote, thanks. Rita Dove is wonderful.

sam of the ten thousand things said...

I agree with you, Kate. Thanks for stopping by.