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Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a…

“Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree; And only God who makes the tree Also makes the fools like me. But only fools like me, you see, Can make a God, who makes a tree.” quote by Yip Harburg
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““Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree; And only God who makes the tree Also makes the fools like me. But only fools like me, you see, Can make a God, who makes a tree.””

Yip Harburg

About This Quote

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

The poet admits his own foolishness, yet credits divine power for both nature and human folly, suggesting a reciprocal creation of art and deity.

In simple terms: Foolish poet sees God in trees and himself.

Key Takeaway

Recognize humility in creativity.

Themes

humility creativity divine art self-awareness

Mood

reflective playful

Type

lyetic musical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • songwriting
  • literary analysis
  • personal journaling

Key Concepts

theology poetry self-reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does humility shape artistic expression?
  • What does it mean to 'make a God'?
A Different Perspective

Even the humble can claim divine inspiration, but may overstate their role.

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