It seems to me that readers sometimes make the genesis of a poem more mysterious than it is (by that I perhaps mean, think of it as something outside their own experience).
This quote highlights how readers often perceptionally elevate the origins of a poem beyond the writer's intent or actual process. It suggests that the creative genesis might be more straightforward than interpreted, and that over-complicating it can distance readers from the personal connection or understanding. Recognizing that poetry may stem from accessible emotions and experiences encourages a more intimate and approachable appreciation of the art. Embracing the idea that meaning is not always esoteric allows for a richer, more grounded engagement with poetry rather than an obsession with its mysterious origins.
---James Schuyler---
