Balance Quote by Ian Mcewan
“But to do its noticing and judging, poetry balances itself on the pinprick of the moment. Slowing down, stopping yourself completely, to read and understand a poem is like trying to acquire an old-fashioned skill…”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, Ian Mcewan, 2015
Poetry demands careful attention, pausing to absorb its fleeting moment, akin to learning an old-fashioned skill.
In simple terms: Poetry requires slow, attentive reading.
Pause and read poetry slowly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- literature classes
- personal meditation
- creative writing workshops
- quiet reading sessions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “slow reading” reveal that fast reading hides?
- Can you apply this patience to other areas of life?
Not everyone has patience for the deliberate pace poetry requires.