Decide Quote by Lawrence Ferlinghetti
““Decide if a poem is a question or a declaration, a meditation or an outcry.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Poet's Decision", 1960s collection
Choosing a poem’s tone shapes its purpose—question, declaration, meditation, or outcry.
In simple terms: Decide a poem’s form to guide its impact.
Key Takeaway
Choose your poem’s stance deliberately.
Themes
creativity
literature
expression
choice
voice
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Writing workshops
- classroom teaching
- personal journaling
- public readings
- creative therapy
Key Concepts
Poetic form
intentional writing
literary analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What does your poem need most—question or statement?
- How does form affect emotional resonance?
A Different Perspective
Risk of limiting fluidity by over‑categorizing.
