I like rhyme because it is memorable, I like form because having to work to a pattern gives me original ideas. Anne Stevenson formideamemorable Change image and share on social
My earlier poems were sadder than my poems are today, perhaps because I wrote them in confusion or when I was unhappy. But I am not a melancholy person, quite the contrary, no one enjoys laughing more than I do. Anne Stevenson confusioncontraryearly share on social
Have you ever heard of a pianist who never had to practice - or of an architect who didn't bother to find out why buildings stand up? Anne Stevenson architectbotherbuilding Change image and share on social
There is far too much literary criticism of the wrong kind. That is why I never could have survived as an academic. Anne Stevenson academiccriticismkind Change image and share on social
I work very hard on all my poems, but most of the work consists of trying not to sound as if I had worked. I try to make them sound as natural as possible, but within a quite strict form, which to my ears has a lot to do with musical rhythm and sound. Anne Stevenson consistearform share on social
Writing in a strict form can surprise you. Anne Stevenson formstrictsurprise Change image and share on social
I've cancelled all my subscriptions to poetry magazines. I prefer to read the 'New Scientist.' Anne Stevenson cancelhavemagazine Change image and share on social
I remain loyal to Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert in music and to Shakespeare and Jane Austen in literature. Anne Stevenson austenbachbeethoven Change image and share on social
Sylvia Plath was just a month and a half older than I, and when she committed suicide I was only 30 - and very shocked and sorry. I never knew her personally. Anne Stevenson commithalfknow Change image and share on social
A poem might be defined as thinking about feelings - about human feelings and frailties. Anne Stevenson definefeelingfrailty Change image and share on social
