I want words which are scalpel sharp and shiny; poems keen…
““I want words which are scalpel sharp and shiny; poems keen enough to gut a fish and clean it. Poems labelled not for domestic use. The kind you keep on the top shelf away from the thieving hands of children. And I want to feed you warmly scented words; small loaves of wholemeal bread so you will remember the kitchens where you stood in a slant of sunlight and listened to the radio crooning somewhere above. I want to rock you with my mothering songs. I want my poems to fly out of your pockets--- a troupe of magician's doves, somersaulting in the air, a perfect explosion of soft fireworks. I want them to follow you; like Valentine's cards or bad cheques constantly re-addressed. These poems are birthed from some deep place. They wear that bruised look of the newborn. They will find their way into your sleep with their naked hands and greed. They will come to you like a lover, saying: let me bring you inside into the circle made by my tongues of fire.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Poems should be sharp, vivid, and deeply felt, evoking sensory and emotional richness.
In simple terms: Poems need sharp, vivid language.
Key Takeaway
Write with sensory detail.
Themes
art
expression
sensory imagery
Mood
inspirational
evocative
Type
poetic
creative
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- teaching poetry
- literary workshops
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
poetics
emotional resonance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance beauty with clarity?
- What images make your poems most memorable?
A Different Perspective
Overly ornate language may alienate some readers.