It is necessary to study these words you have written, for the words have a longer history than you have and say more than you know.
George OppenRead
Clarity, clarity, surely clarity is the most beautiful thing in the world, A limited, limiting clarity I have not and never did have any motive of poetry But to achieve clarity.
Interpretation
The pursuit of clarity in expression is the essence of creating meaningful art.
In this quote, George Oppen emphasizes that the primary goal of poetry and artistic expression is to achieve clarity. He suggests that clarity is not only vital for communication but is also the most beautiful aspect of art, allowing the audience to truly understand and appreciate the work's essence without confusion or ambiguity.
In practice
In a creative writing workshop when discussing the importance of clear expression.
It is necessary to study these words you have written, for the words have a longer history than you have and say more than you know.
Writing poetry is such an intense experience that it helps to start the process in a casual or wayward frame of mind.
There are two moments worthwhile in writing, the one when you start and the other when you throw it in the waste-paper basket.
I discovered that writing was very nice indeed when I was very young, and I never changed. I don't think my style has changed very much at all - though I hope what I say is a bit more interesting. It's about getting to know a character and loving them, I think.
I wrote poems in my corner of the Brooks Street station. I sent them to two editors who rejected them right off. I read those letters of rejection years later and I agreed with those editors.
For me a stained glass window is a transparent partition between my heart and the heart of the world.
The reason I play music is to touch people - for selfish reasons, as well. It feels good to make someone else feel something, whether it's a kiss, a painting, good idea or it's a song.
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