"I hardly remember how I started to write poetry. It's hard to imagine what I thought poetry could do"

David Antin's quote, "I hardly remember how I began to write poetry. It's tough to envision what I believed poetry could do", shows a deep, reflective relationship with his craft and provides a fascinating insight into the often enigmatic journey of a poet. This reflection touches on the intricacies of memory, inspiration, and the progressing understanding of one's art.

The first part of the quote, "I hardly keep in mind how I began to compose poetry", recommends a natural, almost unconscious beginning to Antin's poetic journey. It implies that the procedure was so natural, so intrinsically woven into his being, that determining a definitive minute of beginning shows evasive. This can resonate with numerous artists who view the genesis of their work as a seamless and constant evolution instead of a particular occasion. It recommends that Antin might have been drawn to poetry intuitively, without an intentional or mindful decision, which is a profound testimony to the natural human impulse to create.

The 2nd part, "It's hard to imagine what I thought poetry could do", reveals Antin's consideration of the purpose and power of poetry. It suggests a dynamic, potentially altering understanding of poetry's role gradually. Initially, he may have had a restricted or naive understanding of poetry's capacity, which underscores the artist's journey from innocence to experience. This part of the quote invites readers to reflect on their evolving understandings of art and its effect.

Antin, understood for his improvised, spoken-word performances, frequently challenged traditional kinds. This quote hints at his ongoing expedition and redefining of what poetry can achieve. It acknowledges that the essence and impact of poetry can transcend preliminary expectations, gradually revealing its ability to connect, provoke, and transform both the creator and the audience. Through this lens, the quote is a meditation on artistic development and the open-ended, ever-expanding horizon of creative capacity.