A.R. Ammons: Poetry

A.R. Ammons was American poet. Explore interesting quotes on poetry.

A.R. Ammons: 34 quotes 0 likes

“Trying to make a living from poetry is like putting chains on butterfly wings.”

A.R. Ammons

Paris Review interview (1996)

“[On inspiration]: I think it comes from anxiety. That is to say, either the mind or the body is already rather highly charged and in need of some kind of expression, some way to crystallize and relieve the pressure. And it seems to me that if you’re in that condition and an idea, an insight, an association occurs to you, then that energy is released through the expression of that insight or idea, and after the poem is written, you feel a certain resolution and calmness. Well, I won’t say a “momentary stay against confusion” (Robert Frost’s phrase) but that’s what I mean. I think it comes from that. You know, Bloom says somewhere that poetry is anxiety.”

A.R. Ammons

Paris Review interview (1996)

Way , Feeling , Idea , Thinking

“Poetry is everlasting. It is not going away. But it has never occupied a sizeable part of the world's business, and it never will.”

A.R. Ammons

Paris Review interview (1996)

World , Business , Parting