On Writing Poetry

Lifted from somewhere, reference for attribution lost: "If there is any characteristic which separates poets from writers of fiction, it is their particular fascination with words in themselves. Poetry is normally written more slowly, more painstakingly than fiction and the finished work is intended for careful, repeated reading. It is natural for the poet to place a special emphasis on the overtones, the rhythmical effect, and the sound of words." I shuffle papers, reread what I have written long ago -- impelled now by the urge to say something, not necessarily new, but perhaps of minimal importance and imbued with some logical meaning -- structured and stated in an "artistic" and pleasing style. Those thoughts, though, must convey some meaning, cannot be (or should not be) empty babble. And ponderous subjects are of little interest. So, what makes poetic expression pleasing, or illuminating? It begins with clarity of thought with precision of expression; it depends upon having something to say that is worth saying.