Poetry is an orphan of silence. The words never quite equal the experience behind them.

Poetry is an orphan of silence. The words never quite equal the experience behind them.

Poetry should be common in experience but uncommon in books.

Poetry should be common in experience but uncommon in books.

A poem is never finished, only abandoned.

A poem is never finished, only abandoned.

Writing a poem is discovering

Writing a poem is discovering

If Galileo had said in verse that the world moved, the inquisition might have let him alone.

If Galileo had said in verse that the world moved, the inquisition might have let him alone.

Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn.

Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn.

Prose--words in their best order;--poetry--the best words in
their best order.

Prose--words in their best order;--poetry--the best words in
their best order.

Poetry comes nearer to vital truth than history.

Poetry comes nearer to vital truth than history.

Children and lunatics cut the Gordian knot which the poet spends his life patiently trying to untie.

Children and lunatics cut the Gordian knot which the poet spends his life patiently trying to untie.