Poetry and fiction have grieved for a century now over the loss of some vitality which they think they see in a past from which we are by now irrevocably alienated. Guy Davenport alienatecenturyfiction Change image and share on social
I grew up in this town, my poetry was born between the hill and the river, it took its voice from the rain, and like the timber, it steeped itself in the forests. Pablo Neruda bearforestgrow Change image and share on social
I think poetry is the only domain where a writer you like can truly be said to influence you, because you read and reread a poem so many times that it simply drills itself into your head. Michel Houellebecq domaindrillhead Change image and share on social
I did a weird thing when I was about 24. For four years I had written quite a lot of poetry, and I started reading through it and thought some of it was really good. So I burnt it all. Cliff Curtis burngoodlot Change image and share on social
What is a poet? An unhappy person who conceals profound anguish in his heart but whose lips are so formed that as sighs and cries pass over them they sound like beautiful music. Soren Kierkegaard anguishbeautifulconceal Change image and share on social
Poetry is this gorgeous, complex history rendered in verse and song, a blueprint that can lead you back into the world after you've walked into air. Robin Coste Lewis airbackblueprint Change image and share on social
My wife has been my greatest earthly inspiration. She excels in eloquence, the poetry of words, empathy and graciousness. George W. Romney earthlyeloquenceempathy Change image and share on social
I'm not sure about prizes. I don't know how far you can seriously raise public consciousness about poetry. Having a 'National Poetry Day,' like a 'No Smoking Day,' is just shelving the problem. Things which should by rights be every day are not best served by these things. John Fuller consciousnessdaynational share on social
And how can poetry stand up against its new conditions? Its position is perfectly precarious. John Crowe Ransom conditionperfectlypoetry Change image and share on social
I don't like the word 'poetry,' and I don't like poetry readings, and I usually don't like poets. I would much prefer describing myself and what I do as: I'm kind of a curator, and I'm kind of a night-owl reporter. Tom Waits curatordescribekind share on social
