Poetry is difficult to define because each individual will define it differently . . .

    WORDSWORTH said, “Poetry is the breath and finer spirit of all knowledge; it is the impassioned expression which is in the countenance of all science.”

WORDSWORTH said, “Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings; it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility.”

THOMAS GRAY said, ". . . genuine poetry is conceived and composed in the soul."

COLERIDGE said, “I wish our clever young poets would remember my homely definition of prose and poetry; that is prose; words in their best order; -- poetry; the best words in the best order.”

JOHNSON said, “Sir, what is poetry?” “Why Sir, it is much easier to say what it is not. We all know what light is; but it is not easy to tell what it is.”

RUSKIN said, “What is poetry? The suggestion, by the imagination, of noble grounds for the noble emotions? From Modern Painters (1888)

Text: Copyright © Carole Shukle