Often one spends weeks trying to write a poem out of the conscious mind that never comes to anything – these are sort of ‘ideal’ poems that one feels ought to be written, but don’t because (I fancy) they lack the vital spark of self-interest. A ‘real’ poem is a pleasure to write.

Often one spends weeks trying to write a poem out of the conscious mind that never comes to anything – these are sort of ‘ideal’ poems that one feels ought to be written, but don’t because (I fancy) they lack the vital spark of self-interest. A ‘real’ poem is a pleasure to write.

– Philip Larkin –

Philip Larkin: Letters to Monica

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