Writer, editor, translator
Wariness is essential where an inaccurate word could give an impression more exact than could be given by a verifiably accurate term. One is rewarded for knowing the way and compelling a resistful un-English-speaking taxi-driver to take it when he says upon arrival–
dumfounded and gratified–“Ah, we did not suffer any lights.”
–Marianne Moore, in her little essay “Subject, Predicate, Object”
Dazzled speechless–an alchemist without implements–one thinks of poetry as divine fire, a perquisite of the gods. When under the spell of admiration or gratitude, I have hazarded a line, it never occurred to me that anyone might think I imagined myself a poet. As said previously, if what I write is called poetry it is because there is no other category in which to put it.
Marianne Moore, in her little essay “Subject, Predicate, Object”. Vocab note: “perquisite” means “a tip, gratuity”.
Combine with charmed words certain rhythms, and the mind is helplessly haunted.