John Barton Quotes & Sayings (Page 3)

“I find it exhausting to administer a magazine without an office or paid staff.”

“I would not say I chose to write long poems on a conscious level. The long poem has been a relative constant.”

“If poetry alters the way in which the reader views the world, then it has had its desired effect.”

“In the past, poetry came in the form of spells and chants used to effect change.”

“Most victims of my autobiographical verse are either far too polite, remarkably understanding unaware that I have written poems about them.”

“Poets can't resist the dramatic pull of their lives and so inevitably write autobiographical verse.”

“Some readers allow their prejudices to blind them. A good reader knows how to disregard inappropriate responses.”

“The poet must decide not to impose his feelings in order to write without sentimentality.”

“Who is the ideal reader? God only knows.”

“I have always been very obsessed with time. Time's passage makes us all very vulnerable and because we all experience it in our own way, it can make us feel very alone.”