Certain Quote by Muriel Rukeyser
“The 'idea' for the poem, which may come as an image thrown against memory, as a sound of words that sets off a traveling of sound and meaning, as a curve of emotion (a form) plotted by certain crises of events or image or sound, or as a title which evokes a sense of inner relations; this is the first 'surfacing' of the poem. Then a period of stillness may follow.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Poem as Process, 1971
Describes how a poem emerges from sensory impressions and emotional crises, then settles into a reflective pause.
In simple terms: Poems form from images, sounds, emotions, then quiet.
Key Takeaway
Observe and honor the poem’s natural rhythm.
Themes
creativity
process
emotion
Mood
introspective
inspirational
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- mindful journaling
- art therapy
Key Concepts
imagery
sound
emotional mapping
Questions to Reflect On
- What triggers your creative surfacing?
- How do you transition from intensity to stillness?
A Different Perspective
The “surfacing” stage may be chaotic, making structure hard.
