Ars Poetica - A poem by Archibald MacLeish

Archibald MacLeish - Ars Poetica

A poem should be palpable and mute
As a globed fruit,

Dumb
As old medallions to the thumb,

Silent as the sleeve-worn stone
Of casement ledges where the moss has grown-- 

A poem should be wordless
As the flight of birds.

                 *

A poem should be motionless in time 
As the moon climbs,

Leaving, as the moon releases
Twig by twig the night-entangled trees,

Leaving, as the moon behind the winter leaves, 
Memory by memory the mind--

A poem should be motionless in time 
As the moon climbs.

                  *

A poem should be equal to:
Not true.

For all the history of grief
An empty doorway and a maple leaf.

For love
The leaning grasses and two lights above the sea--

A poem should not mean
But be.

Added: on April 10th, 2006 at 8:41 PM | Viewed: 7926 times | Comments and analysis of Ars Poetica by Archibald MacLeish Comments (5)

Ars Poetica - Comments and Information
Poet: Archibald MacLeish Poem: Ars Poetica Comment 5 of 5, added on April 20th, 2008 at 4:06 PM. MacLeish says that the poem should express its meaning implicitly rather than putting it in explicit sentences. The essence of the poem lies in the imagery it uses. For instance, he says, "grief" can be depicted by images of 'empty doorway' or 'maple leaf'. Also the essence should not fade away with the passage of time i.e. the central idea of the poem should be relevant forever. The beauty of the poem is that all what is described as 'the art of poetry' is very effectively implemented in the poem itself. Ars poetica contains many similes and images that contribute to its essence. Himanshu from India Comment 4 of 5, added on May 14th, 2007 at 9:43 PM. Poetry is a simple way of expression because it is motionless and it leaves all description in memory. A poem does not need to be true bit it can be about anything need to be and that poetry is a work of art. John from United States Comment 3 of 5, added on April 10th, 2006 at 8:41 PM. Archibald is being paradoxical...if you know what that means puffpimpin from Canada More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, Ars Poetica, has received 5 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Archibald MacLeish with others on the American Poems poetry forum!

Poem Info
Poet: Archibald MacLeish Poem: Ars Poetica Last read: May 16 2008, 4:58PM Viewed 7926 times. Added on April 10th, 2006 at 8:41 PM.

MacLeish Info
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