Ability Quote by Dorianne Laux
“W.S Merwin says "after three days of rain" and I write "After Twelve Days of Rain." I like his quietude. I admire his ability to be simple without being simplistic.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: After Twelve Days of Rain (inspired by W.S. Merwin)
The writer admires Merwin’s quiet simplicity and seeks to emulate it by expanding the image of rain, highlighting how restraint can deepen emotional resonance.
In simple terms: Quiet simplicity can be deep without being simplistic.
Key Takeaway
Embrace restraint to amplify impact.
Themes
simplicity
quietude
creativity
imitation
Mood
contemplative
inspired
Type
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- writing poetry
- personal reflection
- teaching writing
Key Concepts
minimalism
aesthetic restraint
influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance simplicity with depth?
- When does imitation become loss of voice?
A Different Perspective
Simple restraint may limit expressive breadth if over‑applied.
![“It's difficult to talk about [W.S.] Merwin's poems, as it's hard to talk about a feeling or a smell. It is what it is, but so much so that it overwhelms both sense and the senses. I aspire to something about his work, that imbues his poems, though I'm not sure I could say what that is. A purity…” quote by Dorianne Laux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8c1/dorianne-laux-12252_aspire_it-s-difficult-to-talk-about-w-s-merwin_654128.jpg)
