Bed Quote by Stanley Kunitz
“...few young poets [are] testing their poems against the ear. They're writing for the page, and the page, let me tell you, is a cold bed.”
About This Quote
Source Poetry: The New Yorker, 1970s, magazine article
Poets test their work by listening to how it sounds, but writing for print feels distant and unfeeling.
In simple terms: Writing for the page can feel cold and detached.
Seek a balance between auditory and visual expression.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- publishing
- reading poetry aloud
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does medium affect poetic impact?
- Can sound and sight coexist in poetry?
A focus on audience can limit personal authenticity.