Poetry Quote by Michael Donaghy
““I always get a little bit irritated when people talk about 'bringing poetry to the people' especially those poet - performers who seem to assume their audience hasn't read anything, as though 'the people' were some ignorant mass incapable of taste. 'Bringing poetry to the people'? Speaking as a people, I go out and get it as long as its available. When people hear any kind of excellence or panache in the use of language in pop songs or movies they notice it, they talk about it. That's because it's available - inescapable, in fact - while my local library is shutting down.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Poetry Magazine interview, 2005
The speaker criticizes the notion that poetry must be simplified for an uninformed masses, arguing that audiences already appreciate lyrical excellence in popular media and that true cultural access requires preserving institutions like libraries.
In simple terms: People already enjoy poetic language; libraries matter.
Key Takeaway
Support libraries and value existing cultural literacy.
Themes
culture
literacy
elitism
access
media
library
Mood
reflective
concerned
defensive
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- reading clubs
- music appreciation
- film analysis
- community events
- library advocacy
Key Concepts
cultural consumption
elitist attitudes
public education
media influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does media exposure shape poetic appreciation?
- What role should libraries play in cultural education?
A Different Perspective
The speaker assumes all audiences have equal exposure to quality language, which may not be true for underserved groups.
