Poetry Quote by Mary Oliver
““Poems arrive ready to begin. Poets are only the transportation.””
About This Quote
Source Poetry Collection: New and Selected Poems by Mary Oliver, 1992
Poetry is a starting point; poets serve as carriers delivering the poem’s essence.
In simple terms: Poems begin ready; poets transport them.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate the role of the poet as conduit.
Themes
poetry
creation
transport
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- reading circles
- education
Key Concepts
literature
inspiration
artistry
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to be a “transportation” for art?
- How does this view affect the poet’s voice?
A Different Perspective
May downplay the poet’s creative agency.
![“Neither men, nor gods, nor booksellers' shelves permit ordinary poets to exist. [Lat., Mediocribus esse poetis Non homines, non di, non concessere columnae.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd4/horace-172_booksellers_neither-men-nor-gods-nor-booksellers-she_23851.jpg)
![“[poems are] crystals deposited after the effervescent contact of the spirit with reality. (cristaux deposes apres l'effervescent contact de l'esprit avec la realite)” quote by Pierre Reverdy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eb1/pierre-reverdy-33281_crystals_poems-are-crystals-deposited-after-the-e_13424.jpg)
