What Is a Poet?

“What is a poet? An unhappy man who hides deep anguish in his heart, but whose lips are so formed that when the sigh and cry pass through them, it sounds like lovely music.... And people flock around the poet and say: 'Sing again soon' - that is, 'May new sufferings torment your soul but your lips be fashioned as before, for the cry would only frighten us, but the music, that is blissful.’ ”

                                       ~ Soren Kierkegaard, Either/Or 

Often, the essence of poetry is manifest as the poet writes from his/her own pain and struggle. I think this same idea applies to visual artists and musicians. If you write, it is important to remember that your best words may come from that place within you that is the most vulnerable. If you enjoy poetry, music, or any of the arts, it is important to realize the sacrifice that often accompanies meaningful works of art.

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