Poetry Quote by Molly Peacock
““...prose unfolds in time; and time contains both obstacles and revelations. Prose develops, the way characters and situations do. It requires a flow. A poem is an instant, lightning across the sky. Prose is before the storm, the storm, after the storm.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Prose and Poetry” (published in 1994, collection “The Best of Molly Peacock”)
Contrasts prose’s gradual, evolving narrative with poetry’s sudden, intense expression, highlighting different temporal rhythms in writing.
In simple terms: Prose builds slowly; poetry strikes quickly.
Key Takeaway
Embrace both steady development and sudden insight.
Themes
writing
tempo
contrast
Mood
contemplative
analytical
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- crafting a novel
- editing poetry
- teaching creative writing
- reading literature
Key Concepts
narrative structure
literary form
Questions to Reflect On
- When does a story need a pause?
- How can a poem capture a moment fully?
A Different Perspective
Prose can become sluggish; poetry may lack depth.
![“Harriet Levin [is] a shining poet in her generation… The dynamics of her language and her vigorous voice distinguish all her poems. Levin's fearless willingness to tackle any subject combines with her subtle intelligence to produce a rare reading experience, the moving, psychologically…” quote by Molly Peacock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c6/molly-peacock-46158_crafts_harriet-levin-is-a-shining-poet-in-her-g_344321.jpg)
