Aim Quote by Dean Young
“Poets are excellent students of blizzards and salt and broken statuary, but they are always elsewhere for the test. Any intention in the writing of poetry besides the aim to make a poem, of engaging the materials, SHOULD be disappointed. If the poet does not have the chutzpah to jeopardize habituated assumptions and practices, what will be produced will be sleep without dream, a copy of a copy of a copy.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Poetry Manifesto, date unknown
Poetry should challenge norms and embrace risk; without daring, it becomes repetitive and uninspired.
In simple terms: Poetry needs risk, otherwise it’s bland.
Take bold creative risks in writing.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- experimental poetry
- literary criticism
- personal journaling
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance risk with skill?
- What habits limit poetic originality?
Emphasizing risk may discourage careful craft and revision.