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January 17, 2010

a rigorous act

Poetry wants to be carried on primarily as a rigorous act. As mere enjoyment it ceases to be poetry. A poet must not walk around idly all day in pursuit of images and feelings. That is quite the wrong way. A pure open mind, adroitness in reflection and contemplation, and the ability to transform all one's talents into mutually quickening activity and to keep them so, these are the requirements of our art. If you will submit yourself to my tutelage, then not a day shall pas for you without enriching your knowledge and adding to your practical insight.


Novalis - Henry Von Ofterdingen

Posted by amin at January 17, 2010 2:25 PM