Top 472 Poetry Quotes

Each memorable verse of a true poet has two or three times the written content.

Each memorable verse of a true poet has two or three times the written content.

Alfred de Musset

Poetry operates by hints and dark suggestions. It is full of secrets and hidden formulae, like a witch's brew.

Poetry operates by hints and dark suggestions. It is full of secrets and hidden formulae, like a witch's brew.

Anthony Hecht

The commonest error made in relation to poetry is that it consists simply in verse-making. Many confound the casket of meter and rhyme with the jewel of thought which it encloses, and, perhaps, in some instances, after close investigation, they have found the casket empty and turned away with feelings of disappointment and disgust.

Orson F. Whitney

That is to say, epic poetry has been invented many times and independently; but, as the needs which prompted the invention have been broadly similar, so the invention itself has been.

That is to say, epic poetry has been invented many times and independently; but, as the needs which prompted the invention have been broadly similar, so the invention itself has been.

Lascelles Abercrombie

With me poetry has not been a purpose, but a passion.

With me poetry has not been a purpose, but a passion.

Edgar Allan Poe

When poetry separates from song, then the words have to carry all the rhythm themselves; they have to do all the work. They can't rely on the singing voice.

When poetry separates from song, then the words have to carry all the rhythm themselves; they have to do all the work. They can't rely on the singing voice.

Edward Hirsch

I guess the thing that I'm most proud of is that I kept on writing poetry. I understand that poetry is sort of the source of everything I do. It's the source of my creativity.

I guess the thing that I'm most proud of is that I kept on writing poetry. I understand that poetry is sort of the source of everything I do. It's the source of my creativity.

Erica Jong

Without poetry, stories would be told in sepia.

Without poetry, stories would be told in sepia.

Ellen Hopkins

I don't think I've ever read poetry, ever. I'm not really book-smart.

I don't think I've ever read poetry, ever. I'm not really book-smart.

Eminem

You don't help people in your poems. I've been trying to help people all my life - that's my trouble.

You don't help people in your poems. I've been trying to help people all my life - that's my trouble.

Charles Olson

Copyright © Softland 2016-2026. All rights reserved.