"My secret dream is to write an epic poem. That's probably the most pretentious thing I've said"
- Laurie Anderson
About this Quote
In this quote, Laurie Anderson exposes her secret dream of writing an epic poem. Nevertheless, she likewise acknowledges that this dream might encounter as pretentious. By using the word "secret," Anderson indicates that this dream is something she has actually kept concealed, potentially out of fear of being judged or ridiculed. The fact that she refers to it as a "dream" recommends that it may be something she has always wished to do, but has actually not yet accomplished. The use of the word "pompous" shows that Anderson is aware of the prospective criticism or backlash she might deal with for desiring write an impressive poem. In general, this quote highlights the vulnerability and self-awareness of the speaker, as well as the potential obstacles and risks involved in pursuing one's dreams.
"Of the individual poems, some are more lyric and some are more descriptive or narrative. Each poem is fixed in a moment. All those moments written or read together take on the movement and architecture of a narrative"
"The heart of the matter seems to me to be the direct interaction between one's making a poem in English and a poem in the language that one understands and values. I don't see how you can do it otherwise"
"The point of an experiment is not to arrive at a predetermined end point, to prove or disprove anything, but to deliver a poem that reveals much about the process taken"
"Our moments of inspiration are not lost though we have no particular poem to show for them; for those experiences have left an indelible impression, and we are ever and anon reminded of them"
"The figure a poem makes. It begins in delight and ends in wisdom... in a clarification of life - not necessarily a great clarification, such as sects and cults are founded on, but in a momentary stay against confusion"
