Cutting Quote by James Schuyler
“I do not usually revise much, though I often cut, particularly the end or toward the end of a poem”
About This Quote
Source Poetry: Personal Correspondence, 1970s
Poets often edit minimally, focusing on cutting especially near a poem’s conclusion.
In simple terms: Poets cut mainly at a poem’s end.
Trim endings for impact.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- poetry workshops
- self‑editing
- manuscript polishing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is cutting too aggressive?
- How does final trimming affect meaning?
Over‑editing can strip emotional depth.