Backwards Quote by Dorothea Lasky
“Beachy Head brims with electrical currents flying backwards and forwards, with the force of poems that have been well fought out and felt. I hear the currents of Alice Notley, of Bernadette Mayer, of Eileen Myles, and Sylvia Plath”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Beachy Head” (title inferred), published in literary journal, date unknown
The poet describes the intense, electric energy of poetry, likening it to currents that move back and forth, and cites several influential women poets whose work resonates powerfully.
In simple terms: Poetry feels like electric currents, powerful and moving.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the electric energy of poetry.
Themes
creativity
poetry
influence
energy
Mood
inspired
reflective
Type
literary
analytical
When to use this quote
- reading poetry
- writing workshops
- literary analysis
- teaching poetry
Key Concepts
electricity
intertextuality
feminist tradition
Questions to Reflect On
- How does poetry move you emotionally?
- Which poet’s “current” resonates most?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may over‑dramaticize poetry’s impact for some readers.
