"I used to write sonnets and various things, and moved from there into writing prose, which, incidentally, is a lot more interesting than poetry, including the rhythms of prose"

Shelby Foote's quote uses a nuanced reflection on his shift from writing poetry to prose, hinting at his personal evolution as a writer. At first, Foote discusses his beginnings with sonnets and "numerous things", recommending an early foray into structured, conventional kinds of poetry. Sonnets, known for their strict format and rhythmic constraints, most likely supplied Foote with a foundational understanding of language, rhythm, and expression. This element of his composing journey highlights a common pathway for many authors who start with poetry before checking out the more comprehensive tapestry of prose.

The expression "moved from there into composing prose" marks a substantial shift in Foote's literary focus. This shift may reflect a desire for greater story freedom and complexity, which prose can offer. Unlike poetry, which frequently focuses on condensed feeling and images, prose enables expansive storytelling, character advancement, and detailed plot structures. Foote's journey might symbolize a broader imaginative exploration, looking for more room to communicate ideas and weave intricate stories.

Foote's assertion that prose is "a lot more interesting than poetry" might be interpreted as his personal choice, born from the deeper layers of obstacle prose provides. While poetry and prose each have their unique complexities, Foote finds the creative and rhythmic possibilities within prose particularly engaging. By mentioning "the rhythms of prose", he acknowledges that, like poetry, prose possesses its own musicality and cadence. This rhythmic awareness could come from his background in poetry, enabling him to instill his prose with a lyrical quality.

In essence, Foote's quote encompasses an author's journey from the precision of poetry to the expansive possibilities of prose. It shows a personal evolution and a choice for the innovative latitude that prose affords, enhanced by his poetic structure in rhythm and structure. Through this lens, Foote's literary journey highlights the dynamic interplay in between various kinds of composing and the personal growth they can cultivate.