Clarity Quote by Billy Collins

I think clarity is the real risk in poetry because you are exposed. You're out in the open field. You're actually saying things that…

— Billy Collins

Clarity, clarity, surely clarity is the most beautiful thing in the world, A limited, limiting clarity I have not and never did have any…

— George Oppen

If we were in the habit of reading poets their obscurity would not matter; and, once we are out of the habit, their clarity…

— Randall Jarrell

Sometimes I feel too transparent in my poetry, but that's what I think the beauty of poetry is, because as transparent as the author…

— Masiela Lusha

Poetry is the art of saying what you mean but disguising it.

— Diane Wakoski

The main thing in poetry criticism is that I have all these opinions, and I love having something to do with them. And I…

— Dan Chiasson

People in power tend to find poetry dangerous to them because it is dislocating, they can't catch it, can't control it. They prefer coherence,…

— Elia Suleiman

One thing I do know is that poetry, to be understood, must be clear.

— Mary Oliver

Even when poetry has a meaning, as it usually has, it may be inadvisable to draw it out . . .. Perfect understanding will…

— A. E. Housman

Poetry can be dangerous, especially beautiful poetry, because it gives the illusion of having had the experience without actually going through it.

— Anonymous

At some point you have to believe that the inadequacies of the words you use will be transcended by the faith with which you…

— Christian Wiman

One merit of poetry few persons will deny: it says more and in fewer words than prose.

— Voltaire