When I became poet laureate, I was in a slightly uncomfortable position because I think a lot of poetry isn't worth reading.
Poets are never allowed to be mediocre by the gods, by men or by publishers.
It is important for poets and writers today to know their shortcomings, and be able to edit their own work as well as reject them if they are not up to their standards.
Poetry must be as well written as prose.
Poetry is not only the most concise way of conveying the human experience; it also offers the highest possible standards for any linguistic operation.
Mediocrity in poets has never been tolerated by either men, or gods, or booksellers.
Irish poets, learn your trade, sing whatever is well made, scorn the sort now growing up all out of shape from toe to top.
