"American poetry, like American painting, is always personal with an emphasis on the individuality of the poet"

This quote by Diane Wakoski speaks with the distinct nature of American poetry. It suggests that American poets are focused on expressing their private experiences and point of views, rather than adhering to a specific style or type. This focus on the individual is a defining attribute of American poetry, and it is what sets it apart from other kinds of literature. The quote likewise implies that American painting has a similar focus on the person, suggesting that the 2 art forms are closely associated. This quote talks to the importance of individual expression in American art, and how it has actually formed the culture and history of the United States.