Re: Evolution of a lyric poet (Frye)

>
The technical development of a lyric poet is normally from
obscurity
 > to simplicity. As long as he is writing primarily for himself, his
 > thoughts will be rooted in private associations, image which are
 > linked to ideas through his own private imagery. This is not his
 > fault: he can write only what takes shape in his mind. (*) It is
his
 > job to keep on writing and not get stuck at that point, above all
not
 > to rationalize any failure to advance by asserting that one must
write
 > this way in an unpoetic age.....
 >
 > Then he is likely to pass through a social, allegorical, or
 > metaphysical phase, an awkward and painful phase for all
concerned.
 > Finally, a mysterious but unmistakable ring of authenticity begins
to
 > come into his writing, and simultaneously the texture simplifies,
 > meaning and imagery become transparent, and the poetry becomes a
 > pleasure instead of a duty to read. It takes a heroic supply of
 > talent, practice, patience, and courage to get to that point.
 >
 > (The Bush Garden, Northrop Frye, Anansi 1971, 22-23)
 >
 > (*) [This was written before the appearance of the Houstman poetry
 > generator. - GD].