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You must believe: a poem is a holy thing - a good poem…

“You must believe: a poem is a holy thing - a good poem, that is. The poem, even a short time after being written, seems no miracle; unwritten, it seems something beyond the capacity of the gods.” quote by Theodore Roethke
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“You must believe: a poem is a holy thing - a good poem, that is. The poem, even a short time after being written, seems no miracle; unwritten, it seems something beyond the capacity of the gods.”

Theodore Roethke

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 sacred; a good poem feels miraculous, while unwritten ideas seem beyond divine reach.

In simple terms: Poetry is holy; good poems feel miraculous.

Key Takeaway

Respect poetry; seek depth in writing.

Themes

creativity art inspiration

Mood

contemplative inspired

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing a poem
  • reading poetry
  • teaching literature
  • creative block

Key Concepts

literature aesthetics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes a poem feel sacred to you?
  • How can you honor the creative process?
A Different Perspective

Not all poems need to be holy; some serve practical purposes.

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