What a poem means is as much what it means to others as what it means to the author; and indeed, in the course of time a poet may become merely reader in respect to his own works, forgetting his original meaning.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the subjective nature of poetry interpretation. It suggests that a poem's meaning is not solely determined by the author, but also by how it resonates with others. Over time, the poet might even lose sight of their own original intention and experience their work from a reader's perspective. It highlights the fluidity and evolving nature of poetic meaning, which can vary depending on individual perspectives and the passage of time.

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