--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I always think W.S. Merwin's poems will…" description: "\"I always think W.S. Merwin's poems will last of anyone writing today. If I had to bet on posterity I would bet Merwin. My poems could easily evaporate...." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ac4/billy-collins-3004_finding-yourself_i-always-think-w-s-merwin-s-poems-will-l_1390023.png" --- # I always think W.S. Merwin's poems will last of anyone… ![“I always think W.S. Merwin's poems will last of anyone writing today. If I had to bet on posterity I would bet Merwin. My poems could easily evaporate. So I don't know. If you find yourself as a writer thinking about posterity you should probably go out for a brisk walk or something.” quote by Billy Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ac4/billy-collins-3004_finding-yourself_i-always-think-w-s-merwin-s-poems-will-l_1390023.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ac4/billy-collins-3004_finding-yourself_i-always-think-w-s-merwin-s-poems-will-l_1390023.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ac4/billy-collins-3004_finding-yourself_i-always-think-w-s-merwin-s-poems-will-l_1390023.png) > “I always think W.S. Merwin's poems will last of anyone writing today. If I had to bet on posterity I would bet Merwin. My poems could easily evaporate. So I don't know. If you find yourself as a writer thinking about posterity you should probably go out for a brisk walk or something.” [Billy Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-collins/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He reflects that contemporary poets may not endure like W.S. Merwin, suggesting writers should focus on present creation rather than worrying about future legacy. **In simple terms:** Modern poets may not last; focus on writing now. Key Takeaway Write for the present, not posterity. Themes poetry legacy creative process Mood reflective inspirational Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - writing sessions - creative retreats - literary criticism - career planning Key Concepts literature impermanence Questions to Reflect On - What drives your writing today? - How do you view your work’s lasting impact? A Different Perspective Obsessing over posterity can hinder current work. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Finding yourself](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/finding-yourself/) [Poetry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poetry/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Today](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/today/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [ It's difficult to talk about \[W.S.\] Merwin's poems, as it's hard to talk about a feeling or a smell. 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