The poet doesn't invent. He listens. — Quoted

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“The poet doesn't invent. He listens.”

Jean Cocteau · Poetry

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Jean Cocteau

Everything one does in life, even love, occurs in an express train racing toward death. To smoke opium is to get out of the train while it is still moving. It is to concern oneself with something other than life or death.

Death

Jean Cocteau

The poet is a liar who always speaks the truth.

Poetry

Jean Cocteau

I have lost my seven best friends, which is to say God has had mercy on me seven times without realizing it. He lent a friendship, took it from me, sent me another.

Best

Jean Cocteau

I am a lie who always speaks the truth.

Truth