“The ear does it. The ear is the only true writer and the only true reader.”

Emphasising the importance of hearing rhythm, intonation and living speech in both writing and reading · Letter to John T. Bartlett, 22 February 1914

• Language
• Reading
• Writing

“Like a piece of ice on a hot stove the poem must ride on its own melting.”

Emphasising the poem’s inner momentum and self-sustaining form · Essay, The Figure a Poem Makes

• Art
• Poetry

“Talking is a hydrant in the yard and writing is a faucet upstairs in the house. Opening the first takes all the pressure off the second.”

Suggesting humorously that excessive conversation can dissipate the energy that might otherwise become writing · Remark quoted in Vogue, 15 March 1963

• Communication
• Humour
• Writing