Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Poetry" is a poem by Marianne Moore, first published in 1919. The poem explores the nature of poetry itself, and the role that it plays in our lives.

The poem begins with the famous line "I, too, dislike it," suggesting that the speaker has a complicated relationship with poetry. However, the speaker goes on to explore the many different forms that poetry can take, from the simple and direct to the complex and obscure.

Throughout the poem, Moore emphasizes the importance of clarity and precision in poetry, noting that "imaginary gardens with real toads in them" are often more interesting and meaningful than purely fanciful creations. She also suggests that poetry has the power to convey truth and beauty in a way that other forms of language cannot.

The poem concludes with a powerful image of a ship in a storm, suggesting that poetry has the power to provide solace and guidance even in the most difficult and challenging circumstances.

Overall, "Poetry" is a powerful and thought-provoking meditation on the nature of art and the ways in which it can help us to make sense of the world around us. The poem is widely regarded as one of Moore's most celebrated works and is considered a classic of modernist poetry.