"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

posted in poetry


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.

Other Quotes You Might Like

Discover more inspiring quotes from our collection

"A great many people seem to think writing poetry is worthwhile, even though it pays next to nothing and is not as widely read as it should be."

-Mark Strand

poetryView Quote
"A life is not sufficiently elevated for poetry, unless, of course, the life has been made into an art."

-Mark Strand

poetryView Quote
"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."

-Mark Strand

poetryView Quote
"I believe that all poetry is formal in that it exists within limits, limits that are either inherited by tradition or limits that language itself imposes."

-Mark Strand

poetryView Quote
"I certainly can't speak for all cultures or all societies, but it's clear that in America, poetry serves a very marginal purpose. It's not part of the cultural mainstream."

-Mark Strand

poetryView Quote
"I think the best American poetry is the poetry that utilizes the resources of poetry rather than exploits the defects or triumphs of the poet's personality."

-Mark Strand

poetryView Quote

More Quotes About poetry

Explore other inspiring quotes in this category

"I write poetry in order to live more fully."

-Judith Rodriguez

poetryView Quote
"He fertilizes a phrase or a line of poetry for weeks and then gives birth to it in a speech."

-John Colville

poetryView Quote
"Poetry uses the hub of a torque converter for a jello mold."

-Diane Glancy

poetryView Quote
"Poetry asks people to have values, form opinions, care about some other part of experience besides making money and being successful on the job."

-Toi Derricotte

poetryView Quote
"For there is a sound reasoning upon all flowers. For flowers are peculiarly the poetry of Christ."

-Christopher Smart

poetryView Quote
"I don't know a better preparation for life than a love of poetry and a good digestion."

-Zona Gale

poetryView Quote