Famous quote by Dennis Potter

"Children can write poetry and then, unless they're poets, they stop when reach puberty"

About this Quote

Children approach language with a sense of natural playfulness and freedom, unburdened by self-consciousness or preconceived notions about what poetry “should” be. Their imaginations roam uninhibited; they find joy in rhyme, rhythm, and the sheer surprise of metaphor. Writing, at this stage, is more like a game, and poetry becomes a natural mode of expressing wonder, confusion, or delight about the world. Before the onset of adolescence, most children freely compose verses, inventing images and stories that may seem surreal or nonsensical to adults, yet remain deeply expressive.

As children approach puberty, however, their relationship with self-expression and creativity often changes. They become more aware of the expectations placed upon them, by peers, teachers, and the broader culture. The playfulness that once defined their creativity can give way to self-doubt, fear of ridicule, and a desire to conform. If one is not marked or identified as a “poet,” the act of writing poetry begins to feel less like something universal and more like a specialized pursuit reserved for those with a distinct talent. Social pressures and the drive to be accepted can stifle the spontaneous creativity that marked earlier years.

Dennis Potter’s observation highlights a loss that, for many, accompanies growing up: the fading of that innate poetic sensibility. The world of adolescence and adulthood often regards poetic thinking as unnecessary or even childish, causing most to abandon this form of expression unless they are compelled by some inner calling to persist. For most, only preordained “poets” continue. The quote invites reflection on what we lose in this transition, suggesting that poetry is not just for the chosen few, but a natural, early capacity, needlessly relinquished. It hints at the value of recapturing that childhood openness, rekindling creativity, regardless of age or title.

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About the Author

United Kingdom Flag This quote is written / told by Dennis Potter between May 17, 1935 and June 7, 1994. He/she was a famous Dramatist from United Kingdom. The author also have 30 other quotes.
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