Quote by John Ciardi

What has any poet to trust more than the feel of the thing? Theory concerns him only until he picks up his pen, and it begins to concern him again as soon as he lays it down.

What has any poet to trust more than the feel of the thing?

Summary

This quote emphasizes the essential role of intuition and artistic instinct in poetry. It suggests that, above all else, a poet must trust their own perception and emotional connection to the subject matter. While theory may have some relevance in the initial stages of writing, its importance diminishes as the poet starts expressing their thoughts on paper. However, once the pen is set down, theory becomes relevant again, guiding the poet in assessing and refining their work. Ultimately, this quote underscores the primacy of personal experience and the intricate relationship between theory and practice in the art of poetry.

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