Poetry and consumption are the most flattering of diseases.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
There have been two popular subjects for poetry in the last few decades: the Vietnam War and AIDS, about both of which almost all of us have felt deeply.
Civilization is so hard on the body that some have called it a disease, despite the arts that keep puny bodies alive to a greater average age, and our greater protection from contagious and germ diseases.
And yet, in a culture like ours, which is given to material comforts, and addicted to forms of entertainment that offer immediate gratification, it is surprising that so much poetry is written.
Hastiness and superficiality are the psychic diseases of the 20th century, and more than anywhere else this disease is reflected in the press.
We don't tend to write about disease in fiction - not just teen novels but all American novels - because it doesn't fit in with our idea of the heroic romantic epic. There is room only for sacrifice, heroism, war, politics and family struggle.
Poetry must have something in it that is barbaric, vast and wild.
Diseases are the tax on pleasures.
Poetry is a mere drug, Sir.
Poetry is a beautiful way of spoiling prose, and the laborious art of exchanging plain sense for harmony.
Poetry can't cure cancer, but it can save your life until you die.