The poet makes the primary translation
from the source of ideas, words fulfil
that desired to be expressed, are given
to see, the poem the finished article.
In appreciation, the reader tends to
extol the poet’s sensibility,
but by that very comprehension proves
each reader the poet’s equal to be.
There is thus the poet in each of us
the poet brings out, the credit accorded
the poem to its prime conceptual source;
we have read what the poet has recorded.
In our daily lives, words and actions more
conceal the presence of higher powers
of compulsion; we take the credit, or
the blame, but like poets, we are translators.
