Poetry Quote by Richard Hugo
““Each newcomer feels obliged to do something else, forgetting that if he himself is somebody he will necessarily do that something else," said Valéry. And Roethke told students to "write like somebody else." There are those usual people who try desperately to appear unusual and there are unusual people who try to appear usual. Most poets I've met are from the latter and much smaller group. William Stafford, at his best as good as we have, is a near-perfect example. It doesn't surprise me at all when the arrogant wild man in class turns in predictable, unimaginative poems and the straight one is doing nutty and promising work. If you are really strange you are always in enemy territory, and your constant concern is survival.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Poetry of the Ordinary,” 1971
Writers often imitate others, but true originality comes from embracing one's own voice, even if it feels ordinary.
In simple terms: Originality is being yourself.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate authentic voice over imitation.
Themes
authenticity
voice
conformity
creativity
survival
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- creative writing workshops
- personal journals
- literary criticism
- teaching poetry
Key Concepts
literature
psychology
identity
Questions to Reflect On
- Are you writing to impress or to express?
- What does “usual” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Imitation can be a safe but limiting path.
