X. J. KENNEDY

Poetry is probably the one field of writing in which it is a mistake to try to psych out editors. In fact, specific marketing advice can sometimes harm the novice poet by enticing him to pursue fashions. The poet's best hope is to sound like nobody else, The finest, most enduring poetry constructs a marketplace of its own.

The Purpose of Time is to Prevent Everything from Happening at Once

To me, a poem that's in rhyme and meter is the difference between watching a film in full color and watching a film in black and white. Not that a few black and white films aren't wonderful. So are certain successful pieces of free verse.

In thigh-high yellow leather boots Plump Saphonisba strides. Too bad that, just to hide her calves, Two calves have lost their hides.

As a writer given to the old formalities of rhyme and meter, I sometimes feel endangered these days.

I don't think anybody is a poet 24/7, only in those rare moments when a person is producing a poem.

On solemn asses fall plush sinecures, So keep a straight face and sit tight on yours.

My real name is Joe Kennedy, but if you live in Massachusetts, you can't sign 'Joe Kennedy.' So, back in 1957, I stuck the X on my name to be different from those people in Hyannis Port.

I like poems where you don't really know whether to laugh or cry when you read them.

The attitude that poetry should not be analyzed is prevalent among many who consider themselves experts on children's literature. But I suspected that kids like to look closely at things and figure out what makes them go.

As a writer given to the old formalities of rhyme and meter, I sometimes feel endangered these days.

I like poems where you don't really know whether to laugh or cry when you read them.

My real name is Joe Kennedy, but if you live in Massachusetts, you can't sign 'Joe Kennedy.' So, back in 1957, I stuck the X on my name to be different from those people in Hyannis Port.

To me, a poem that's in rhyme and meter is the difference between watching a film in full color and watching a film in black and white. Not that a few black and white films aren't wonderful. So are certain successful pieces of free verse.

I don't think anybody is a poet 24/7, only in those rare moments when a person is producing a poem.

The Purpose of Time is to Prevent Everything from Happening at Once

On solemn asses fall plush sinecures, So keep a straight face and sit tight on yours.

In thigh-high yellow leather boots Plump Saphonisba strides. Too bad that, just to hide her calves, Two calves have lost their hides.

Poetry is probably the one field of writing in which it is a mistake to try to psych out editors. In fact, specific marketing advice can sometimes harm the novice poet by enticing him to pursue fashions. The poet's best hope is to sound like nobody else, The finest, most enduring poetry constructs a marketplace of its own.