The medium of poetry is a human body: the column of air inside the chest, shaped into signifying sounds in the larynx and the mouth. In this sense, poetry is just as physical or bodily an art as dancing.
Robert PinskyRead
Poetry is not easy. Or should I say, real poetry is not easy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Creating genuine poetry requires significant effort and skill.
Robert Pinsky's quote emphasizes the complexity and difficulty involved in writing authentic poetry. It suggests that while poetry may seem accessible, real artistry in poetry demands deep thought, creativity, and dedication, distinguishing it from mere verses or superficial expressions.
Themes
PoetryCreativityArtistryDifficultyExpression
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop on creative writing, to inspire students: 'Remember, poetry is not easy. Real poetry is not easy.'
More from Robert Pinsky
All quotes βPoetry is the most bodily of the arts.
Robert PinskyRead
Sometimes the ideas that mean the most to you will feel true long before you can quite formulate them or justify them.
Robert PinskyRead
New Jersey is the most poetic state: close enough to New York to be urban and cosmopolitan, far enough to be desirous and unsure; densely populated, but full of farms and woods, with the most deer of any state.
Robert PinskyRead
For a lot of people, well-meaning teaching has made poetry seem arcane, difficult, a kind of brown-knotting medicine that might be good for you but doesn't taste so good. So I tried to make a collection of poetry that would be fun. And that would bring out poetry as an art, rather than the challenge to say smart things.
Robert PinskyRead
'Write' is almost the wrong verb for what I do. I think 'compose' is more accurate because you're trying to make the sounds in your mind and in your voice. So I compose while I'm driving or in the shower.
Robert PinskyRead
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