Summary
The text reflects on the complex relationship between poets and words, likening it to a game of pursuit where words ultimately surrender to the poet's patient affection.
Abstract
The passage titled "Difficult Words" delves into the intricate dance between poets and the elusive nature of words. It suggests that words initially present themselves as challenging and enigmatic, concealing their true meanings and waiting for the right moment to reveal themselves to their creators. Poets are portrayed as passionate lovers who must feign disinterest in order to draw words out of their hiding places. This delicate courtship culminates in a moment of vulnerability where words, like prey turning on their hunter, seek out the poets. It is in this moment that poets can fully embrace words with love, transforming the chase into a union of creation.
Opinions
- Words are seen as active participants in the creation of poetry, engaging in "strange schemes" and choosing when to disclose their meanings.
- Poets are characterized as having a deep, almost romantic longing for words, akin to that of passionate lovers.
- The process of writing poetry is likened to a hunt, where poets must exhibit patience and indifference to entice words to approach them.
- There is a sense of reciprocity in the poet-word relationship, with words eventually pursuing the poet, reversing the initial dynamic of pursuit.
- The act of poetic creation is viewed as a love affair, with the moment of inspiration being an embrace where words are welcomed with affection.