Poetry Quote by Robin Behn
““We write a line we're especially proud of, and weeks later find it staring -no glaring - back at us from some stanza in George Herbert or Emily Dickinson. All poets have debts outstanding. It's how we learn; how we adore; we come to ourselves by putting those selves into the hands of masters. With experience we learn how to disguise our thefts (sometimes by flaunting them). It is how we both continue and extend a tradition. -J.D. McClatchy, Writing Between the Lines””
About This Quote
Source Book: Writing Between the Lines, J.D. McClatchy, 2015
Poets learn by borrowing and transforming past works, honoring tradition while creating originality.
In simple terms: Poetry evolves through influence and adaptation.
Key Takeaway
Respect tradition, innovate responsibly.
Themes
creativity
literature
tradition
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary analysis
- creative practice
Key Concepts
intertextuality
artistic debt
learning
authorship
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate homage from copying?
- What ethical limits exist in artistic borrowing?
A Different Perspective
May understate the risk of plagiarism.
