My feeling is that most political poetry is preaching to the choir, and that the people who are going to make the political changes in our lives are not the people who read poetry, unfortunately. Poetry not specifically aimed at political revolution, though, is beneficial in moving people toward that kind of action, as well as other kinds of action. A good poem makes me want to be active on as many fronts as possible.
John AshberyThere is the view that poetry should improve your life. I think people confuse it with the Salvation Army.
John AshberyIn the increasingly convincing darkness The words become palpable, like a fruit That is too beautiful to eat.
John AshberyThe soul establishes itself. But how far can it swim out through the eyes And still return safely to its nest?
John AshberyMy feeling is that most political poetry is preaching to the choir, and that the people who are going to make the political changes in our lives are not the people who read poetry, unfortunately. Poetry not specifically aimed at political revolution, though, is beneficial in moving people toward that kind of action, as well as other kinds of action. A good poem makes me want to be active on as many fronts as possible.
John Ashbery