"A true poet does not bother to be poetical. Nor does a nursery gardener scent his roses"

Jean Cocteau's quote "A real poet does not trouble to be poetical. Nor does a nursery gardener scent his roses" provides a profound insight into the nature of authenticity and the essence of real talent and craft. At its core, the quote recommends that real artistry comes naturally and does not require forced embellishment. Just as a rose naturally has its fragrance without the disturbance of a gardener, a true poet embodies their art easily, without the requirement to contrive or overly decorate their work to fit a preconceived notion of what poetry should be.

Cocteau's statement indicates that authenticity in art is both inherent and instinctive. For a true poet, the act of composing poetry is a spontaneous expression, not one driven by external pressures or the desire to comply with established literary standards. This aligns with the idea that genuine imagination streams naturally when one is genuinely linked to their craft, without feeling the requirement to display their skill overtly.

Moreover, the analogy of a nursery gardener and roses stresses the idea of supporting versus changing. The gardener does not add synthetic scents to roses due to the fact that their natural fragrance is both enough and sublime. Similarly, a poet needs to harness their unique voice and perspective, trusting that their fundamental skill and individual experiences are enough to convey profound emotions and concepts. This perspective champs the concept that art must be a reflection of the artist's fact and natural inclinations, rather than a performative act created to impress or fit a specific mold.

In essence, Cocteau's quote obstacles creators to welcome their real selves, recommending that the power of poetry-- and, by extension, any form of art-- lies in its credibility. By not trying to be overtly "poetical", a true poet can accomplish a real connection with their audience, just like the instant and unchanged beauty of a rose.