Poems show us that we are both more and less than human, that we’re part of the chaos, and that everything is a part of everything else. Julia Casterton
Poetry speaks to something in us that so wants to be filled. it speaks to the great hunger of the soul. Lucille Clifton
A good poem is almost always about something else, which is why they are so hard to write. Charles Causley
A poem is an approach towards a truth. but poems can be funny, witty, quirky and sly. They can be mischievous, tricksterish. Their truths don’t sound like the truths of the courtroom or inquest. Does this, then, show us something about the nature of truth? Can we say there are many truths, or, rather, many aspects of Truth? That truth itself is a shape-shifter? Kathleen Jamie
Sometimes a poem can change people’s lives, strengthen and focus people’s beliefs. And if people can change, that can change the world. Adrian Mitchell
Of course poetry is irrelevant to the “real” world of power and politics, but so is philosophy, painting, music and any other human activity where something genuine can be found. Charles Simic
All of the above taken from Being Alive edited by Neil Astley Bloodaxe Books 2004
Related articles
- How Do You Feel About Poetry? (hrzns.wordpress.com)
- Poetry (uniquetotheend.wordpress.com)
str17 