It's a big thing to call yourself a poet. All I can say is…
“It's a big thing to call yourself a poet. All I can say is that I have always written poems. I don't think I'm interested in any discussion about whether I'm a good poet, a bad poet or a great poet. But I am sure, I want to write great poems. I think every poet should want that.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker acknowledges the difficulty of self‑identifying as a poet, emphasizing a desire to write great poetry over labels.
In simple terms: Writing great poems matters more than calling yourself a poet.
Focus on creating quality work rather than titles.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- personal journaling
- literary critique
- goal setting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “great” mean to you in poetry?
- How can you measure progress without relying on titles?
Self‑labeling can become an excuse for complacency.