A lot of things appearing under my byline were written in…
“A lot of things appearing under my byline were written in one draft. But when I started to write poetry, I started getting fussy about every syllable. I wouldn't allow the work to be seen unless it felt perfect. Not clunky at all, no clunky syllables. So, really, for the printed page, it had to have a feeling of rhythmic and syntactic verisimilitude or something.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He became obsessive about perfect rhythm and syntax in poetry, demanding flawless syllable placement before publishing.
In simple terms: Obsessive about perfect poetic rhythm.
Prioritize precision in poetic craft.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing poetry
- editing drafts
- publishing work
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does perfectionism affect artistic output?
- Can imperfection be embraced?
Perfection can stifle creativity and delay sharing.