Of course a poem is a two-way street. No poem is any good if it doesn't suggest to the reader things from his own mind and recollection that he will read into it, and will add to what the poet has suggested. But I do think poetry readings are very important.
James LaughlinI often feel I'm working in a vacuum, or in a country where few readers hear the sounds.
James LaughlinI think one ages and one dates. I tend to have a good deal of difficulty in liking some of the new poets.
James LaughlinWith me it's the whole thing, it's the conceit, the idea, what the poem is saying. And it goes on just as long as is necessary to say what needs to be said.
James Laughlin