I think the term poet is a very exalted term and should be applied to a man at the end of his work. When he looks back over the body of his work and he's written poetry then let the verdict be that he's a poet.

Summary

This quote suggests that the label of being a poet should be reserved for those who have proven their worth through a substantial body of work. It implies that only after an artist has dedicated themselves to creating poetry and reflects on their accomplishments at the end of their journey, can they truly be deemed a poet. Essentially, it emphasizes the importance of a lifetime of poetic commitment and accomplishment before bestowing this esteemed title.