“Poetry is not the thing itself, but the expression of the thing.”

Distinguishing artistic expression from the experience or reality that inspires it. · Essay on poetry

• Art
• Expression
• Poetry

“I am doing what in me lies to keep alive poetry with a little conscience in it.”

Expressing his belief that poetry should retain a moral seriousness and sense of responsibility. · Conversation, as recalled in The Poets' Chantry

• Conscience
• Poetry
• Writing

“The poet's function is not to describe nature, but to interpret it.”

Emphasising the poet's role as an interpreter of experience rather than a mere recorder of appearances. · Essay on poetry

• Interpretation
• Nature
• Poetry