The art has to make it on its own, without explanations, and it’s the same for poetry. If the poem or the painting has to be explained, then it’s a failure in communication.
Lawrence FerlinghettiRead
Poets, come out of your closets, Open your windows, open your doors, You have been holed up too long in your closed worlds... Poetry should transport the public/to higher places/than other wheels can carry it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Poets are encouraged to share their work with the world instead of hiding away, as poetry has the power to elevate society.
In this quote, Lawrence Ferlinghetti calls upon poets to emerge from their isolation and share their art with the wider community. He suggests that poetry possesses a unique ability to uplift and inspire, taking people to greater heights than any physical means of transportation can achieve. The message emphasizes the importance of expression and accessibility in art, urging artists to contribute to the public dialogue and elevate collective consciousness.
Themes
PoetryExpressionArtCommunityInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a poetry workshop to encourage participants to share their verses.
More from Lawrence Ferlinghetti
All quotes →I didn’t know that painters and writers retired. They’re like soldiers – they just fade away.
Lawrence FerlinghettiRead
Constantly risking absurdity and death whenever he performs above the heads of his audience, the poet, like an acrobat, climbs on rhyme to a high wire of his own making.
Lawrence FerlinghettiRead
The state of the world calls out for poetry to save it.
Lawrence FerlinghettiRead
Don't bow down to critics who have not themselves written great masterpieces.
Lawrence FerlinghettiRead
Poetry is eternal graffiti written in the heart of everyone.
Lawrence FerlinghettiRead
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