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The secret of poetry is never explained - is always new…

“The secret of poetry is never explained - is always new. We have not got farther than mere wonder at the delicacy of the touch, & the eternity it inherits. In every house a child that in mere play utters oracles, & knows not that they are such. 'Tis as easy as breath. 'Tis like this gravity, which…” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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“The secret of poetry is never explained - is always new. We have not got farther than mere wonder at the delicacy of the touch, & the eternity it inherits. In every house a child that in mere play utters oracles, & knows not that they are such. 'Tis as easy as breath. 'Tis like this gravity, which holds the Universe together, & none knows what it is.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

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

Poetry thrives on continual discovery; its wonder lies in the fresh, intuitive insight that transcends explanation.

In simple terms: Poetry is always new and mysterious.

Key Takeaway

Embrace curiosity and let wonder guide creation.

Themes

creativity wonder intuition

Mood

reflective inspired

Type

philosophical artistic

When to use this quote

  • Writing poetry
  • teaching literature
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

Poetic inspiration theory of art

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does wonder influence your creative process?
  • Can mystery coexist with analytical understanding?
A Different Perspective

The quote may romanticize mystery, overlooking the value of technical skill and critique.

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