I think my philosophy would then be the exact opposite :) The poet's intention is more important than the reader's interpretation.
The poet (in my opinion) writes not to be read, but to express an idea, to satisfy the urge of a muse. The sentiment expressed is not lost if it is never found, it just remains uncovered but there. But the wrong interpretation of a poem (wrong being the direct contrary intent of poet) would lead to misconceptions about the poet's background, ideas and defeat the purpose of expression altogether. That's my take though. I would rather no one got my poetry, rather than it be read and misconstrued to mean something it's not. I'm often tempted to provide my personal interpretation on something I write - extrapolation from that at least would be reasonably accurate.
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branchandroot
(no subject)
Date: 2005-07-21 03:16 pm (UTC)The poet (in my opinion) writes not to be read, but to express an idea, to satisfy the urge of a muse. The sentiment expressed is not lost if it is never found, it just remains uncovered but there. But the wrong interpretation of a poem (wrong being the direct contrary intent of poet) would lead to misconceptions about the poet's background, ideas and defeat the purpose of expression altogether. That's my take though. I would rather no one got my poetry, rather than it be read and misconstrued to mean something it's not. I'm often tempted to provide my personal interpretation on something I write - extrapolation from that at least would be reasonably accurate.