Abandon Quote by Donald Hall
“If the poet wants to be a poet, the poet must force the poet to revise. If the poet doesn't wish to revise, let the poet abandon poetry and take up stamp-collecting or real estate.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Poet's Craft, 1995
A poet must be willing to revise; refusing to do so means abandoning poetry for a less creative pursuit.
In simple terms: Poets must revise or quit.
Key Takeaway
Embrace revision.
Themes
creativity
discipline
growth
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
instructional
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- career decisions
- artistic development
Key Concepts
literary theory
self‑criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What prevents you from revising?
- How can you make revision a habit?
A Different Perspective
Revision can be painful and stall progress.
