Feelings Quote by Gary Snyder
“I never find words right away. Poems for me always begin with images and rhythms, shapes, feelings, forms, dances in the back of my mind.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Poetry and Inspiration, 1995
Poetry emerges from sensory images and internal rhythms before words can be formed.
In simple terms: Poetry starts with images and feeling.
Key Takeaway
Observe and feel before writing.
Themes
creativity
perception
art
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
literary
creative
When to use this quote
- writing
- visual arts
- music
- dance
- mindfulness
Key Concepts
imagism
process poetry
Questions to Reflect On
- How do images translate into words?
- What role does rhythm play in poetry?
A Different Perspective
The quote may underplay the role of language structure.
![“I remember having some problems with [the Deus Ex theme] when I first heard it and I was trying to figure out how to tell [Alex Brandon] I wanted changes. But then I noticed that I couldn't get it out of my mind. I was whistling or humming it to myself all the time. So I just kept my mouth shut…” quote by Warren Spector](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2ac/warren-spector-41522_alex_i-remember-having-some-problems-with-the_44541.jpg)
![“But if you do know what is taught by plants and weather, you are in on the gossip and can feel truly at home. The sum of a field's forces [become] what we call very loosely the 'spirit of the place.' To know the spirit of a place is to realize that you are a part of a part and that the whole is…” quote by Gary Snyder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af3/gary-snyder-4502_feels_but-if-you-do-know-what-is-taught-by-pla_256516.jpg)
