The iambic pentameter owes its pre-eminence in English poetry to its genius for variation. Good blank verse does not sound like a series of identically measured lines. It sounds like a series of subtle variations on the same theme. James Fenton blankeminenceenglish share on social
I am often asked why I started to write poetry. The answer is that my motivation sprang from a visceral need to creatively articulate the experiences of the black youth of my generation, coming of age in a racist society. Linton Kwesi Johnson ageanswerarticulate share on social
I wrote poetry, which got me into lyrics. Stevie Wonder, Carole King, Elton John pulled me into pop. I started singing with a band - just for fun - when I was 17. And pretty soon, I was thinking I could sing pop in English as well as Spanish. Gloria Estefan bandcaroleelton share on social
And at least in poetry you should feel free to lie. That is, not to lie, but to imagine what you want, to follow the direction of the poem. Mark Strand directionfeelfollow Change image and share on social
An age which is incapable of poetry is incapable of any kind of literature except the cleverness of a decadence. Raymond Chandler ageclevernessdecadence Change image and share on social
Poetry is a mirror which makes beautiful that which is distorted. Percy Bysshe Shelley beautifuldistortmake Change image and share on social
I never had much education in English poetry as such. Anne Carson educationenglishpoetry Change image and share on social
Poetry has, in a way, been my bridge to my acting career. Omari Hardwick actbridgecareer Change image and share on social
A poem is never finished, only abandoned. Paul Valery abandonfinishpoem Change image and share on social
You know, people speak in poetry all the time. They just don't realize it. Sherman Alexie peoplepoetryrealize Change image and share on social
