Choices Quote by C.D. Wright
“Poetry requires deliberate movement in its direction, a filament of faith in its persistence, receptivity to its fundamental worthwhileness. Within its unanesthetized heart there is quite a racket going on. Choices have to be made with respect to every mark. Not every mistake should be erased. Nor shall the unintelligible be left out. Order is there to be wrenched from the tangles of words. Results are impossible to measure. A clearing is drawn around the perimeter as if by a stick with a nail on the end.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Poetry and the Uncanny, C.D. Wright, 2005
Poetry demands purposeful action, faith in its lasting value, and openness to its inherent worth, while embracing noise, choice, and the unmeasurable results of shaping language.
In simple terms: Poetry needs purposeful movement, faith, and openness to its messy, unmeasurable nature.
Key Takeaway
Embrace intentional creation and accept imperfection.
Themes
creativity
faith
imperfection
choice
order
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary analysis
- personal journaling
- editing drafts
Key Concepts
poetics
aesthetic theory
creative process
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide which mistakes to keep?
- What role does faith play in your creative process?
A Different Perspective
Balancing structure and chaos can stifle spontaneity.
