David Antin Quotes

A collection of quotes by David Antin.

David Antin (1932-2016) was an American poet, essayist, and performance artist. Known for his innovative approach to poetry, he blended spoken language and storytelling to create unique narratives. His works explored various themes, including politics, culture, and personal experiences. Antin's performances often involved improvisation, incorporating humor and wit. Additionally, he published several influential books, such as "Talking at the Boundaries" and "What It Means to Be Avant-Garde." Antin's contribution to the field of poetry and performance art continues to inspire and challenge conventions to this day.

While I've had a great distaste for what's usually called so

While I've had a great distaste for what's usually called song in modern poetry or for what's usually called music, I really don't think of speech as so far from song.

David Antin

Poetry

When you grow up in a family of languages, you develop a kin

When you grow up in a family of languages, you develop a kind of casual fluency, so that languages, though differently colored, all seem transparent to experience.

David Antin

Experience

The self is an oral society in which the present is constant

The self is an oral society in which the present is constantly running a dialogue with the past and the future inside of one skin.

David Antin

Future

I hardly remember how I started to write poetry. It's hard t

I hardly remember how I started to write poetry. It's hard to imagine what I thought poetry could do.

David Antin

Poetry