"I don't know if younger poets read a lot of, you know, the poets - the established poets. There was a lot of pretty boring stuff to sort of put up with and to add to, to make something vital from"

In this quote by Robert Adamson, the poet reflects on the relationship between more youthful poets and developed or classic poets. Adamson seems to suggest a disconnect or a subsiding influence of traditional poetic figures on the more recent generations of poets. When he says, "I don't know if more youthful poets check out a lot of, you know, the poets - the established poets", Adamson hints at a concern that emerging poets may not be engaging deeply with the works of their predecessors. This could suggest a potential absence of foundational knowledge or gratitude for the history and advancement of poetry among the upcoming writers.

Additionally, Adamson's description of "a great deal of pretty dull stuff" presents a critical view of the standard canon. This indicates that he finds some of the established works doing not have in excitement or significance for modern-day readers and writers. From this perspective, Adamson might be suggesting that the standard works have withered or disconnected from modern experiences and sensibilities. He acknowledges that these texts might pose a challenge for young poets seeking inspiration or engagement from them.

However, Adamson acknowledges the potential to draw vigor from the old, specifying the necessity "to contribute to, to make something vital from" the established body of work. This highlights an opportunity for more youthful poets to engage with tradition artistically, using it as a structure to innovate and instill new life into poetry. Adamson therefore recommends a dynamic relationship between past and present, where the old acts as a springboard for fresh, dynamic expressions.

In general, the quote represents a nuanced landscape of poetic growth and development. Adamson underscores the significance of both acknowledging the past and transcending it, advising younger poets to discover motivation within tradition while likewise daring to broaden its borders. This duality forms an important continuum in the poetic custom, bridging the gap in between what was, what is, and what can be.