Poetry quotes

There's not a good poet I know who has not at the beck and call of his memory a vast quantity of poetry that composes his mental library.

Religion is no more possible without prayer than poetry without language, or music without atmosphere.

I don't think Auden liked my poetry very much, he's very Anglican.

I think it was T.S. Eliot who talked about good poetry being felt before it's understood. I believe that. There are some bands where I love their lyrics but I don't have a clue what they're on about.

I found that it wasn't so oddball to like music and poetry and visual arts, they're kindred spirits.

My father had wanted to name me for Dylan Thomas. He had seen him speak on one of those drunken poetry tours he did.

The urge to write poetry is like having an itch. When the itch becomes annoying enough, you scratch it.

For poetry there exists neither large countries nor small. Its domain is in the heart of all men.

Too many people in the modern world view poetry as a luxury, not a necessity like petrol. But to me it's the oil of life.

Well, I write a lot of poetry - that's where it usually all starts. I definitely want to show you guys sides of me - love, loss, heartbreak - all of that good stuff!

Reality only reveals itself when it is illuminated by a ray of poetry.

I use rock and jazz and blues rhythms because I love that music. I hope my poetry has a relationship with good-time rock'n roll.

Stadium rock and commercial rock are the opposite of what poetry needs. An audience of around 200 is ideal for poetry.

Freedom is poetry, taking liberties with words, breaking the rules of normal speech, violating common sense. Freedom is violence.

The first question at that time in poetry was simply the question of honesty, of sincerity.

Clarity, clarity, surely clarity is the most beautiful thing in the world, A limited, limiting clarity I have not and never did have any motive of poetry But to achieve clarity.

Poetry's always dead, you know? You don't realize how good poetry is until 15 years later.

Literature is a state of culture, poetry is a state of grace, before and after culture.

I used to joke that if acting didn't work out, poetry was my commonsense fallback.

I wish you would read a little poetry sometimes. Your ignorance cramps my conversation.