Quote by E.B. (Elwyn Brooks) White
A poet's pleasure is to withhold a little of his meaning, to intensify by mystification. He unzips the veil from beauty, but does not remove it.
Summary
In this quote, it is suggested that a poet derives pleasure from keeping some of the meaning of their poetry hidden, thus enhancing its impact through a sense of mystery. The poet's goal is to unveil the essence and allure of beauty while deliberately leaving an enigmatic quality. Similar to unzipping a veil, the poet reveals glimpses into profound truths, but intentionally does not completely uncover them. This deliberate withholding and mystification contribute to the allure and intensity of the poet's work.