Quote by Leonard Cohen
I always thought that poetry is the verdict that others give to a certain kind of writing. So to call yourself a poet is a kind of dangerous description. It's for others it's for others to use.
Summary
This quote suggests that the label of being a poet should be bestowed upon a writer by others, rather than self-proclaimed. The individual believes that poetry is a designation granted to certain forms of writing by external judgment. Referring to oneself as a poet is seen as a precarious self-description, as it implies the validation of others. The quote implies that the title of poet is not something one should claim, but rather something that others should determine based on their evaluation of one's writing.
Topics
Poetry
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