---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If you know what you are going to write…"
description: "\"If you know what you are going to write when you're writing a poem, it's going to be average.\" — Derek Walcott"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73d/derek-walcott-2220_average_if-you-know-what-you-are-going-to-write_1765525.jpg"
---

#  If you know what you are going to write when you're…

![“If you know what you are going to write when you're writing a poem, it's going to be average.” quote by Derek Walcott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73d/derek-walcott-2220_average_if-you-know-what-you-are-going-to-write_1765525.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73d/derek-walcott-2220_average_if-you-know-what-you-are-going-to-write_1765525.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73d/derek-walcott-2220_average_if-you-know-what-you-are-going-to-write_1765525.jpg)

> “If you know what you are going to write when you're writing a poem, it's going to be average.”

[Derek Walcott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-walcott/)

## About This Quote

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

Predictability in poetry limits creativity; genuine inspiration arises from uncertainty.

**In simple terms:** Knowing your poem in advance makes it bland.

Key Takeaway

Embrace spontaneity in writing.

Themes

creativity poetry uncertainty process art

Mood

reflective inspirational thoughtful

Type

creative philosophical

When to use this quote

- poetry workshops
- personal journaling
- creative retreats

Key Concepts

improvisation originality mindfulness creative risk

Questions to Reflect On

- Do you write with a plan or let ideas emerge?
- How does uncertainty fuel originality?

A Different Perspective

Overplanning can stifle artistic voice.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Poetry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poetry/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/)

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