True poetry, the best of it, is but the ashes of a burnt-out passion.

It is not enough for poems to be fine; they must charm, and draw the mind of the listener at will.

Poetry is like painting: one piece takes your fancy if you stand close to it, another if you keep at some distance.

Literature is a state of culture, poetry a state of grace, before and after culture.

A good poet's made as well as born.

All good verses are like impromptus made at leisure.

A drainless shower Of light is poesy; 'tis the supreme of power; Tis might half slumb'ring on its own right arm.

If Poetry comes not as naturally as the leaves to a tree it had better not come at all.

Poetry should be great and unobtrusive, a thing which enters into one's soul, and does not startle it or amaze it with itself but with its subject.

When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.