No poet sings because he must sing. At least no great poet does. A great poet sings because he chooses to sing.

Summary

This quote emphasizes that true poets and artists do not create merely out of obligation or compulsion, but rather out of their conscious and deliberate choice. It suggests that the act of creating poetry is a voluntary expression of the poet's inner calling, reflecting their own individuality and free will. By distinguishing great poets from ordinary ones, the quote emphasizes the importance of personal agency and intentionality in the pursuit of artistic expression.

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