Common Quote by Sarah Kay
“Not all poetry wants to be storytelling. And not all storytelling wants to be poetry. But great storytellers and great poets share something in common: They had something to say, and did.”
About This Quote
Source Spoken Word Performance: “If I should have a daughter” (TEDx, 2015)
The quote observes that poetry and storytelling have distinct aims, yet both excel when they convey a clear, purposeful message.
In simple terms: Both forms thrive on meaningful expression.
Focus on the message, not the form.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- education
- public speaking
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does you think makes a story poetic?
- When does poetry become storytelling?
Some audiences prefer pure narrative or pure lyric, limiting crossover appeal.