"I consider a poem to be a kind of experiment where a number of elements are brought together under test conditions to see how they will interact to create meaning or relevance"

In this quote, John Barton offers an interesting point of view by comparing poetry to a clinical experiment, highlighting its vibrant and exploratory nature. The metaphor suggests that poetry, much like a clinical endeavor, includes the cautious assembly of numerous elements to observe their interactions and outcomes. In this comparison, the "elements" might refer to a poem's language, kind, themes, images, tone, and other literary gadgets. Each component is thought about for its possible to add to the overarching purpose of creating meaning or significance.

By using the expression "test conditions", Barton implies that the poem supplies a regulated space where these elements can come together in a purposeful and thoughtful manner. This element highlights poetry as a deliberate craft, where every word and structural option is picked to add to the preferred effect or to stimulate particular emotions and thoughts in the reader. This controlled experimental environment allows poets to have fun with conventions, break guidelines, and push the limits of language.

Furthermore, the quote highlights the interactive nature of poetry. It recommends that implying in a poem is not a static or singular entity pre-determined by the poet, but rather an emergent home occurring from the interaction of its components. This interaction invites the reader to engage with the text, motivating analysis and personal connection. Just as results in an experiment can differ based upon conditions or perspectives, interpretations of a poem can vary between readers, each bringing their own experiences and insights into the mix.

This view positions poetry as a vibrant art form-- one that constantly develops and adjusts to new ideas and cultural contexts, similar to scientific fields develop through experimentation and discovery. Barton's metaphor advocates for a fluid, open-ended understanding of poetry, where both writer and reader embark on a journey of exploration and discovery towards discovering meaning and relevance.