Richard Wilbur Quotes

To this congress the poet speaks not of peculiar and personal things, but of what in himself is most common, most anonymous, most fundamental, most true of all men.

men true poet poets personal things common congress

Writing poetry is talking to oneself; yet it is a mode of talking to oneself in which the self disappears; and the product's something that, though it may not be for everybody, is about everybody.

poetry

I started in to cry and call his name, Asking forgiveness of his tongueless head... I dreamt the past was never past redeeming: But whether this was false or honest dreaming I beg death's pardon now. And mourn the dead.

forgiveness death

It is true that the poet does not directly address his neighbors; but he does address a great congress of persons who dwell at the back of his mind, a congress of all those who have taught him and whom he has admired; they constitute his ideal audience and his better self.

mind self

The soul descends once more in bitter love To accept the waking body

The eyes open to a cry of pulleys, And spirited from sleep, the astounded soul Hangs for a moment bodiless and simple As false dawn. Outside the open window The morning air is all awash with angels.

sleep

The beacon-blaze unsheathing turns The face of darkness pale And now with one grand chop gives clearance to Our human visions..

vision

A thrush, because I'd been wrong, Burst rightly into song In a world not vague, not lonely, Not governed by me only.

wrongs