Then you develop a kind of critical sense about what you write. You can tell when something is good, but it would be just as good in somebody else's work too. You want to hold out for those things only you can say.
James DickeyRead
A poet is someone who stands outside in the rain hoping to be struck by lightning.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote illustrates the risks and vulnerabilities that come with creativity and artistic expression.
James Dickey's quote suggests that a poet, much like other artists, is willing to take risks and embrace uncertainty in pursuit of inspiration and creativity. The metaphor of standing in the rain symbolizes openness to lifeβs experiences and the potential for moments of great insight or inspiration, akin to being struck by lightning, which represents sudden bursts of creativity. This willingness to face danger or discomfort for the sake of their art reflects the passionate dedication artists often have toward their craft.
Themes
PoetCreativityRiskInspirationArt
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of taking risks in life to achieve your dreams.
More from James Dickey
All quotes βI want a fever, in poetry: a fever, and tranquillity.
James DickeyRead
So much destruction in modern war takes place miles and miles away from the source of the destruction, the human being who has caused it.
James DickeyRead
What a view, i said again. The river was blank and mindless with beauty. It was the most glorious thing I have ever seen. But it was not seeing, really. For once it was not just seeing. It was beholding. I beheld the river in its icy pit of brightness, in its far-below sound and indifference, in its large coil and tiny points and flashes of the moon, in its long sinuous form, in its uncomprehending consequence.
James DickeyRead
Similar quotes
O why do I ever let anyone read what I write! Every time I have to go through a breakfast with a letter of criticism I swear I will write for my own praise or blame in future. It is a misery.
Virginia WoolfRead
Writing is a fine thing, because it combines the two pleasures of talking to yourself and talking to a crowd.
Cesare PaveseRead
Tragedy is the highest form of art.
Joyce Carol OatesRead
When I was working upon the ABC books, I wanted to show different ways that mainstream comics could viably have gone, that they didn't have to follow 'Watchmen' and the other 1980s books down this relentlessly dark route. It was never my intention to start a trend for darkness. I'm not a particularly dark individual.
Alan MooreRead
I wasn't put on this earth to amass money or personal wealth. I was put on this earth to play guitar and write songs.
Noel GallagherRead
There is nothing greater than the joy of composing something oneself and then listening to it.
Clara SchumannRead