Henry David Thoreau as an American Philosopher on Poetry
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
“As naturally as an oak bears an acorn, and the vine a gourd, the man bears a poem, spoken or done.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
“A Thought went up my mind to-day” ~ Emily Dickinson
Done? Henry David makes distinction in
Between two types of poems, not just one
From inspiration of the gods or jinn,
Yes, those set down in lines or otherdone,
Perhaps in mind alone or made with tools
Like brush or chisel in another form
Than words, produced as flying jewels
Like “Bird in Space” (Brâncuși), the notes in storm
On opera stage, a Shaker piece in wood,
Or felt in heart, unspoken, utter though,
High utterness unuttered, understood
By God alone, perfection found, just so.
His point is that pure poetry comes out
Beautiful; your words and the picture of Rock Springs.
Abigail, thanks. I never think to look here. Sorry.