Age Quote by Louise Bogan
![“It is not possible, for a poet, writing in any language, to protect himself from the tragic elements in human life… [ellipsis in source] Illness, old age, and death--subjects as ancient as humanity--these are the subjects that the poet must speak of very nearly from the first moment that he begins…” quote by Louise Bogan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/610/louise-bogan-12384_age_it-is-not-possible-for-a-poet-writing-in_1035094.jpg)
“It is not possible, for a poet, writing in any language, to protect himself from the tragic elements in human life… [ellipsis in source] Illness, old age, and death--subjects as ancient as humanity--these are the subjects that the poet must speak of very nearly from the first moment that he begins to speak.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unpublished poem by Louise Bogan, early 20th century
Poets cannot avoid confronting universal suffering such as illness, aging, and death, which they must address from the start of their work.
In simple terms: Poets must face human tragedy.
Key Takeaway
Embrace truth about suffering.
Themes
mortality
human condition
artistic duty
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing poetry
- public speaking
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
existentialism
tragic realism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you incorporate mortality into your creative work?
- Can confronting tragedy inspire empathy?
A Different Perspective
Poetry may not change reality, only reflect it.
