Author: A. R. Ammons

Quotes

Poetry leads us to the unstructured sources of our beings, to the unknown, and returns us to our rational, structured selves refreshed.

Poetry leads us to the unstructured sources of our beings, to the unknown, and returns us to our rational, structured selves refreshed.

- A. R. Ammons

Probably all the attention to poetry results in some value, though the attention is more often directed to lesser than to greater values.

Probably all the attention to poetry results in some value, though the attention is more often directed to lesser than to greater values.

- A. R. Ammons

Once every five hundred years or so, a summary statement about poetry comes along that we can't imagine ourselves living without.

Once every five hundred years or so, a summary statement about poetry comes along that we can't imagine ourselves living without.

- A. R. Ammons

If we ask a vague question, such as, 'What is poetry?' we expect a vague answer, such as, 'Poetry is the music of words,' or 'Poetry is the linguistic correction of disorder.'

If we ask a vague question, such as, 'What is poetry?' we expect a vague answer, such as, 'Poetry is the music of words,' or 'Poetry is the linguistic correction of disorder.'

- A. R. Ammons

If a poem is each time new, then it is necessarily an act of discovery, a chance taken, a chance that may lead to fulfillment or disaster.

If a poem is each time new, then it is necessarily an act of discovery, a chance taken, a chance that may lead to fulfillment or disaster.

- A. R. Ammons

The poet exposes himself to the risk. All that has been said about poetry, all that he has learned about poetry, is only a partial assurance.

The poet exposes himself to the risk. All that has been said about poetry, all that he has learned about poetry, is only a partial assurance.

- A. R. Ammons

Is it not careless to become too local when there are four hundred billion stars in our galaxy alone.

Is it not careless to become too local when there are four hundred billion stars in our galaxy alone.

- A. R. Ammons

Everything is discursive opinion instead of direct experience.

Everything is discursive opinion instead of direct experience.

- A. R. Ammons

If the greatest god is the stillness all the motions add up to, then we must ineluctably be included.

If the greatest god is the stillness all the motions add up to, then we must ineluctably be included.

- A. R. Ammons

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