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I can't tell you where a poem comes from, what it is, or what it is for: nor can any other man. The reason I can't tell you is that the purpose of a poem is to go past telling, to be recognised by burning.
A. R. Ammons
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"I can't tell you where a poem comes from, what it is, or what it is for: nor can any other man. The reason I can't tell you is that the purpose of a poem is to go past telling, to be recognised by burning."
— A. R. Ammons

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I can't tell you where a poem comes from, what it is, or what it is for: nor can any other man…

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I can't tell you where a poem comes from, what it is, or what it is for: nor can any other man. The reason I can't tell you is that the purpose of a poem is to go past telling, to be recognised by burning. — A. R. Ammons

About A. R. Ammons

A. R. Ammons was a Poet from United States (1926–2001).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who said "I can't tell you where a poem comes from, what it is, or what it is for: nor ca…"?
This quote is attributed to A. R. Ammons, a Poet from United States.
When did A. R. Ammons live?
A. R. Ammons lived from 1926 – 2001.