A nation's poets are its true owners; and by the stroke of the pen they convey the title-deeds of its real possessions to strangers and aliens.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Poems, novels - these things belong to the nation, to the culture, and the people.
A poem I write is not just about me; it is about national identity, not just regional but national, the history of people in relation to other people. I reach for these outward stories to make sense of my own life, and how my story intersects with a larger public history.
American poetry is this country's greatest patrimony. It takes a stranger to see some things clearly. This is one of them, and I am that stranger.
'Nation' was one that I'd have killed myself if I hadn't written it. It was absolutely important to me that I wrote it. It was good for my soul.
True poetry is similar to certain pictures whose owner is unknown and which only a few initiated people know.
American poetry, like American painting, is always personal with an emphasis on the individuality of the poet.
If I'm the people's poet, then I ought to be in people's hands - and, I hope, in their heart.
Distinctly American poetry is usually written in the context of one's geographic landscape, sometimes out of one's cultural myths, and often with reference to gender and race or ethnic origins.
Poetry is the art which is technically within the grasp of everyone: a piece of paper and a pencil and one is ready.
A great poet is the most precious jewel of a nation.
No opposing quotes found.