Come Quote by Jonathan Miles
“Poems, unlike songs, are written to be read and, thus, come equipped with their own rhythms and melodies; they're self-contained entities, the whole shebang.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Poetry vs. Song, author Miles, 2020
Poems are crafted for reading, giving them inherent rhythm and melody, making them complete works on their own.
In simple terms: Poems have built‑in rhythm and are self‑contained.
Read poems for their full, internal musicality.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- creative writing workshops
- personal reflection
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does reading a poem differ from hearing it set to music?
- What internal rhythms do you notice when reading silently?
Poems may still be set to music, blurring the distinction.