This quote vividly captures the emotional turmoil that words and poetry can evoke. The speaker's declaration of ceasing to read poetry unless by a specific author, James Whitcomb Riley, suggests a deep connection—or perhaps a recent disappointment—with poetry's power to move and hurt. It underscores how literature has the capacity to impact our feelings profoundly, sometimes triggering reactions of frustration or pain. The act of storming out of the house reflects a need to escape or distance oneself from the emotional weight of words that have caused injury. This might symbolize a personal struggle with vulnerability—how reading, though often a source of comfort and insight, can sometimes reopen wounds or challenge one's perceptions. The speaker's determination not to engage with poetry unless it is Riley's work indicates a selective appreciation rooted in personal or aesthetic preference, perhaps because Riley's poetry aligns more positively with their feelings or memories. Such a stance illuminates the complex relationship individuals have with art; it can be both healing and hurtful, depending on context and perspective. Overall, the quote resonates with the idea that literature evokes genuine emotions and that these reactions can sometimes be intense enough to necessitate physical or mental retreat. It reminds us of the profound influence of words and the often tumultuous relationship many have with poetic expression, illustrating the delicate balance between art's power to comfort and to challenge us.