"I try not to observe myself in the process of composing a poem because I don't want to come up with a formula, which I would then be unscrupulous in using"

Thom Gunn's quote talks to the significance of imagination and originality in the procedure of writing a poem. He recommends that if he were to observe himself while making up a poem, he would be more likely to come up with a formula or pattern that he might then use to produce more poems. This would be an example of being "unscrupulous" in his writing, as he would be counting on a formulaic approach rather than enabling his creativity to flow freely. Gunn's quote highlights the importance of enabling creativity to take the lead in the writing process, rather than counting on a formulaic technique. He thinks that by observing himself while composing, he would be most likely to fall into a pattern of writing that would limit his imagination and creativity. Gunn's quote motivates authors to be open to the imaginative procedure and to permit their ideas to stream freely, rather than relying on a formulaic method.