My method is simple: not to bother about poetry. It must come of its own accord. Merely whispering its name drives it away.
Jean CocteauListen carefully to first criticisms made of your work. Note just what it is about your work that critics don't like - then cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual and worth keeping.
Jean CocteauWatch yourself all your life in a mirror and you'll see Death at work like bees in a glass hive.
Jean Cocteau