The best poems take long journeys. I like poetry best that journeys--while remaining in the human scale--to the other world, which may be a place as easily overlooked as a bee's wing
Robert BlyRead
Those of us who make up poems have agreed not to say what the pain is.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Poets often choose to express pain indirectly rather than directly stating it.
In this quote, Robert Bly suggests that poets possess a unique understanding of the complexities of pain, opting to convey their experiences through metaphor and imagery rather than explicitly defining the suffering they endure. This method allows for a deeper emotional connection with the audience, as the nuances of pain are often more impactful when left open to interpretation, fostering empathy and reflection in the reader.
Themes
PoetryPainExpressionEmotionIndirect
In practice
Example use cases
In a poetry workshop, I shared Bly's quote to illustrate the essence of subtlety in poetic expression.
More from Robert Bly
All quotes βAs I've gotten older, I find I am able to be nourished more by sorrow and to distinguish it from depression.
Robert BlyRead
I am proud only of those days that pass in undivided tenderness.
Robert BlyRead
My feeling is that poetry is also a healing process, and then when a person tries to write poetry with depth or beauty, he will find himself guided along paths which will heal him, and this is more important, actually, than any of the poetry he writes.
Robert BlyRead
Every part of you that you do not love will regress and become hostile towards you.
Robert BlyRead
The door to the soul is unlocked; you do not need to please the doorkeeper, the door in front of you is yours, intended for you, and the doorkeeper obeys when spoken to.
Robert BlyRead
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