Skip to content

If you want a definition of poetry, say: Poetry is what…

“If you want a definition of poetry, say: Poetry is what makes me laugh or cry or yawn, what makes my toenails twinkle, what makes me want to do this or that or nothing and let it go at that.” quote by Dylan Thomas
Download Open image
“If you want a definition of poetry, say: Poetry is what makes me laugh or cry or yawn, what makes my toenails twinkle, what makes me want to do this or that or nothing and let it go at that.”

Dylan Thomas

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Poetry is defined by its power to evoke any emotion, from joy to boredom, and to inspire both trivial and profound reactions.

In simple terms: Poetry makes you feel anything, even silly things.

Key Takeaway

Embrace all feelings in poetry.

Themes

creativity expression emotion

Mood

inspirational playful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • teaching
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

aesthetic theory subjectivity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What emotions does poetry stir in you?
  • How do mundane details enrich poetry?
A Different Perspective

Poetry's meaning varies per reader, limiting a single definition.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Dylan Thomas

Explore all 201 Dylan Thomas quotes

More Cry quotes

Browse all 4,998 Cry quotes