Poetry remembers that it was an oral art before it was a written art.

Summary

This quote highlights the origins and essence of poetry as an oral form of expression. It emphasizes that poetry predates its written manifestation and reminds us of its roots in spoken word traditions. By acknowledging this, the quote calls attention to the rhythmic and musical qualities of poetry that stem from its initial oral nature. The overarching idea is that poetry's true essence lies in its ability to be shared orally, drawing attention to the art of recitation and performance.