"The writing of a poem is like a child throwing stones into a mineshaft. You compose first, then you listen for the reverberation."

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Of course a poem is a two-way street. No poem is any good if it doesn't suggest to the reader things from his own mind and recollection that he will read into it, and will add to what the poet has suggested. But I do think poetry readings are very important.

— James Laughlin