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About this quote

What does it mean?
Poetry is a mode of communication, not a belief system.
In plain terms
Poetry is about how we speak and listen, not what we believe.
What can you take from it?
See poetry as conversation, not doctrine.

Where it applies

  • class discussion
  • personal writing
  • criticism

Putting it to work

  • write freely
  • listen openly
  • avoid dogma

Questions to consider

  • Is poetry a creed?
  • How do you listen to poems?

Another view

Some poets do use poetry as belief.

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