The writing of a poem is like a child throwing stones into a mineshaft. You compose first, then you listen for the reverberation.

Summary

This quote suggests that writing a poem is a process of experimentation and exploration. The act of composing a poem is likened to a child throwing stones into a mineshaft without knowing how they will reverberate or echo back. Similarly, a poet starts by putting their thoughts and ideas into words, and then they eagerly await the resonating impact of their creation. It highlights the element of unpredictability and surprise in the creative process, emphasizing the importance of listening and being receptive to the resulting reverberations to shape the final composition.

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